Delhi’s air quality remained in the very poor category on Saturday morning, with the city recording an overall AQI of 360. Forecasts indicate that pollution levels may worsen further in the coming days due to stagnant winds and winter inversion.
In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has decided to bring select Stage 4 (GRAP-4) measures under Stage 3 (GRAP-3). The move follows the Supreme Court’s November 19 directive, urging the Commission to take proactive actions to prevent further deterioration of air quality in Delhi-NCR.
GRAP-4 Measures Now Implemented Under GRAP-3
CAQM has announced that the following GRAP-4 curbs will be enforced earlier, under GRAP-3:
- NCR state governments and the Delhi administration may reduce attendance in public, municipal, and private offices to 50%, with the remaining staff working from home.
- The Central Government may consider allowing work-from-home for employees in central government offices.
Air Quality Outlook
By 10am, Delhi’s 24-hour rolling average AQI stood at 361, marginally lower than Friday evening’s 364 but still bordering the severe category.
The Air Quality Early Warning System under the Ministry of Earth Sciences has predicted that Delhi’s air quality will fluctuate between very poor and severe over the next six days.