New Delhi experienced severe air quality for the third consecutive day on Friday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 409, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The city remained enveloped in smog, which reduced visibility and disrupted both traffic and flight operations.

Of the 39 monitoring stations in Delhi, 21 registered severe AQI levels, with four classified as 'severe plus'. Jahangirpuri, Bawana, Wazirpur, and Rohini experienced the worst pollution, with AQI levels of 458, 455, 455, and 452, respectively. However, the 24-hour overall air quality showed slight improvement compared to Thursday’s AQI of 432.

As the city choked under severe air pollution for the third day in a row, stringent anti-pollution measures under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) came into force on Friday, following an order from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).

The Delhi government also announced that classes for students up to Grade V will shift to online mode from Friday until further notice due to the worsening pollution.

Under Stage 3 of GRAP, all interstate buses from NCR states--except electric, CNG, and BS-VI diesel vehicles--are prohibited from entering Delhi. The measures also include a ban on construction and demolition activities, suspension of mining-related operations, daily water sprinkling on major roads, and the consideration of online classes for young students.

Moreover, restrictions on the movement of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles will be enforced in Delhi and surrounding districts, including Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar.

The city's air quality plunged into the severe category on Wednesday, following 14 days of 'very poor' conditions. Vehicular emissions, farm fires, and unfavourable weather--including low wind speeds--have exacerbated pollution levels in Delhi and nearby areas.

Source: India Today