Delhi has been engulfed with a layer of smog on Friday morning as the Air Quality Index dropped to ‘Poor’ category at 293.
As per the Central Pollution Control Board, ‘Poor’ AQI can cause breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure. Further, prolonged exposure to ‘Very Poor’ category can cause respiratory illness.
Public Welfare Department (PWD) vehicles sprinkled water in the parts of the city to reduce dust pollution in compliance with Graded Response Action Plan-1 (GRAP-1).
Earlier on Tuesday, the Delhi Government announced the strict implementation of measures GRAP-1 to improve air quality in the national capital, according to a statement from the Delhi Chief Minister’s Office.
The announcement came after a high-level meeting headed by Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, with Environment Minister Gopal Rai and senior officials.
According to the statement by the CMO, 99 teams have been assigned to inspect construction sites for dust control. PWD is set to deploy 200 anti-smog guns, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) 30, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) 14, and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) 80. Additionally, Delhi Police will assign extra personnel to traffic-prone areas, and Home Guards will be on standby if needed.
Chief Minister Atishi also urged residents to carpool, refrain from burning crackers and waste, and report pollution incidents via the Green Delhi app.
One of the major contributors for the increase in increases PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels are construction and demolition sites. Teams will ensure that dust control measures are adhered to at both government and private construction sites, with particular attention to the removal waste.
AQI of major areas in Delhi
AQI at Anand Vihar area of Delhi has dropped to 339, which is categorised as ‘Very Poor’.
AQI at India Gate and surrounding areas has been recorded at 270, marked as ‘Poor’.
AQI at Dwarka, Sector-8 has been recorded at 325 putting the area under the ‘Very Poor’ category.
Vivek Vihar area of the national capital has moved to the category Very Poor’ with AQI standing at 324.
