Air Quality in Indian Capital Region Deteriorates to "Very Poor" Category

The Indian federal government has imposed restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-II in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) following a steady rise in pollution levels. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi has shown an increasing trend, with readings of 296 at 4 p.m. and 302 at 7 p.m. local time. The Commission for Air Quality Management has forecast further deterioration of AQI in the coming days. In response, the Sub-Committee has invoked all actions under Stage-II of the GRAP in the entire NCR, with immediate effect.

Key Takeaways:

• The Indian federal government has imposed restrictions under GRAP Stage-II in Delhi-NCR due to deteriorating air quality.
• The AQI in Delhi has reached 296 at 4 p.m. and 302 at 7 p.m. local time, with a steady increase since morning.
• The Commission for Air Quality Management has forecast further deterioration of AQI in the coming days.
• The Sub-Committee has invoked all actions under Stage-II of the GRAP in the entire NCR, with immediate effect.
• The restrictions under GRAP Stage-II include additional actions beyond those already in force.
• Delhi-NCR is a metropolitan area including the entire National Capital Territory of Delhi and surrounding districts from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
• The forecast by the India Meteorological Department/Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology predicts further deterioration of AQI.

Statistics:

• AQI in Delhi: 296 at 4 p.m. and 302 at 7 p.m. local time.
• Forecast by the India Meteorological Department/Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology: further deterioration of AQI in the coming days.

Sources:

• People's Republic of China -- State Council News
• Commission for Air Quality Management
• India Meteorological Department/Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology