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

Strategic Insights -

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