Delhi’s Air Tightens as AQI Near Severe; Stage 3 Curbs Yet to Kick In
Delhi’s Air Tightens as AQI Near Severe; Stage 3 Curbs Yet to Kick In
Delhi battles choking smog as AQI nears the severe threshold, with officials weighing GRAP Stage 3 measures while schools consider hybrid modes.
Delhi woke to a thick layer of smog on Sunday as air quality deteriorated, with the overall AQI pegged at 391 at 8 am—the highest this season so far and hovering near the 'very poor' to 'severe' border.
Data from CPCB’s Sameer app show 23 out of 39 active monitoring stations in the 'severe' category, with Rohini at 435, Burari Crossing 435, Wazirpur 434, Chandni Chowk 409, and RK Puram 422.
Although pockets of the city crossed 400, authorities have not yet invoked Stage 3 measures under the Graded Response Action Plan, with Stage 4 set at 400 and the threshold for invoking Stage 3 historically around 350 per Supreme Court guidance.
Policy chatter remains about reducing congestion, with government officials urging carpooling, more public transport use, and private institutions encouraging work-from-home arrangements until the air improves.
Across the National Capital Region, Noida and Ghaziabad also reported high numbers, though some stations like NSUT Dwarka posted a much healthier 200, underscoring the patchy nature of pollution.
Schools up to grade V are expected to shift to hybrid learning if Stage 3 is triggered, a measure that would take effect only if pollution worsens further.
Public health advisories reiterate masks, limiting outdoor activity, and staying indoors during peak smog hours as Delhi braces for what may come next.
Cover image source: Delhi's air quality slips into 'severe' category; several areas record AQI above 400 🔗
