Delhi witnessed a drastic spike in air pollution levels with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting 461, the highest of the season, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. This surge pushed the air quality into the severe category, raising health concerns across the region.
Reacting promptly, the Commission for Air Quality Management enforced Stage IV of its air pollution control plan, under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The strict measures include a ban on all construction and demolition activities in Delhi-NCR due to unfavorable meteorological conditions contributing to the pollution.
Environmentalists like Bhavreen Khandari criticized the reactive measures, urging for systematic, long-term policy changes. As the city grapples with dense fog and fluctuating temperatures, the weather department anticipates a continuation of challenging conditions.
(With inputs from agencies.)