Toxic air chokes Delhi-NCR: AQI remains in 'severe' zone; GRAP-4 curbs continue

NEW DELHI: Delhi-NCR woke up to dense layers of toxic smog on Tuesday, with air quality ranging from poor to severe across the region, raising serious health concerns for residents.

Several areas, including Anand Vihar, AIIMS, Ghazipur and India Gate, were covered in dense layers of toxic smog. The Air Quality Index (AQI) at Anand Vihar stood at 410, categorised as ‘severe’, while Ghazipur recorded 410 (‘severe’), AIIMS 397 (‘very poor’) and India Gate 380 (‘very poor’), according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).




With pollution levels exceeding critical limits, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked all measures under Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR. Stage-IV is the strictest level of restrictions, applied when AQI exceeds 450, aimed at limiting public exposure and preventing further deterioration of air quality.

On Monday, the city recorded a maximum temperature of 23°C and a minimum of 8°C.

Several monitoring stations reported dangerously high pollution. Akshardham recorded an AQI of 493, while Dwarka Sector-14 had 469. Wazirpur, Rohini and Ashok Vihar recorded the maximum measurable AQI of 500, highlighting the severity of the crisis.

According to CPCB standards, air quality is classed as ‘moderate’ when AQI is between 101 and 200, ‘poor’ between 201 and 300, and ‘very poor’ between 301 and 400. AQI above 400 is considered ‘severe’, while readings of 450 and above are categorised as ‘severe-plus’, triggering emergency measures.

Under the new restrictions, all construction and demolition work has been suspended. Stone crushers, mining units and related industrial operations have also been ordered to shut down due to their contribution to dust and particulate pollution.

Vehicle restrictions have been tightened further, particularly targeting polluting four-wheelers on major roads, as authorities work to curb emissions amid worsening air quality.