Delhi Air Heats Up: AQI Surges to 400 as GRAP Measures Kick In

Delhi's air quality has turned toxic, with AQI readings hovering in the severe to very poor range across the capital. Residents report coughing and throat irritation as a smoky haze blankets neighborhoods. Authorities say Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is in effect, with restrictions on construction and traffic measures being discussed to curb emissions. The heightened alert comes as the city braces for another challenging winter.

CPCB data placed the morning AQI around 391 in several areas, with scattered pockets above 400. By afternoon, readings eased slightly into the mid-300s in some places, but overall pollution remained stubbornly high, prompting schools and offices in certain zones to adjust operations to protect health.

To reinforce the crackdown, the city administration has doubled parking fees and intensified traffic management under Stage II. There is chatter about Stage 3, which in some advisories would push schools to operate in hybrid mode; however, no broad Stage 3 rollout has been announced yet.

Meanwhile, the public is turning to quick-fix ideas with mixed results. A viral post about a DIY purifier built for about Rs 2,000 has sparked conversations about affordable ways to breathe easier at home. The device reportedly used a 150mm exhaust fan, a HEPA filter, a switch and some cardboard to reduce indoor AQI dramatically, but experts caution that such setups offer limited relief for widespread pollution and call for systemic action.

As authorities push for stricter measures, residents await more concrete steps to curb pollution this winter, including tighter enforcement, cleaner public transport, and city-level planning to reduce emissions.

Cover image source: Watch: Delhi’s AQI soars beyond 400, triggering health emergency alerts 🔗

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