New Delhi [India]: Delhi’s air quality has once again deteriorated, reaching the ‘severe’ category, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to enforce Stage-III measures of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect in the capital and its surrounding National Capital Region (NCR).
“The AQI of Delhi which was recorded as 276 on 28.01.2025, exhibited a sharp increasing trend and has been recorded 365 at 4:00 PM on 29.01.2025 owing to variable direction/ calm winds, smoggy situation, low mixing heights & ventilation coefficients for dispersion of pollutants. The forecast from IMD/ IITM suggests similar situations to persist in the coming days,” stated the official order signed by the Director (Technical) and member convenor of the sub-committee on GRAP.
“We must record here that if the Commission finds that the AQI goes above 350, as a precautionary measure, Stage-III measures will have to be immediately implemented. If the AQI crosses 400 on a given day, Stage-IV measures will have to be reintroduced,” the order further read.
Authorities have been instructed to maintain strict surveillance and intensify the enforcement of GRAP measures. Citizens are also urged to comply with the guidelines outlined under GRAP Stage-III.
Delhi’s air quality worsened to the ‘very poor’ category on Wednesday, with an AQI of 327 recorded at 8 AM, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). On Tuesday, the AQI was at 258, categorizing it as ‘poor.’
The AQI classification is as follows:
- 0-50: Good
- 51-100: Satisfactory
- 101-200: Moderate
- 201-300: Poor
- 301-400: Very Poor
- 401-500: Severe
Authorities remain on high alert as air quality conditions are expected to persist in the coming days.