Delhi’s air quality deteriorated to the ‘very poor’ category for the first time this season on Monday, with the city recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 324, as a thick layer of smog enveloped the national capital.
The AQI reading was the highest since February 4 this year, when it stood at 339, marking the worst pollution levels in nine months.
Three air quality monitoring stations recorded pollution levels in the ‘severe’ category at 4 pm. Jahangirpuri reported the highest AQI at 436, followed by Rohini at 415 and Punjabi Bagh at 413.
Of the 58 monitoring stations across the city, 37 recorded ‘very poor’ air quality, 17 were in the ‘poor’ category, three reported ‘severe’ pollution and only one recorded ‘moderate’ air quality, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Monday invoked Stage 2 measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR after the city's AQI crossed the 300 mark.
The measures include restrictions aimed at controlling dust pollution, regulating construction activities and reducing vehicular emissions.
PM2.5 remained the dominant pollutant in the national capital. These fine particles, measuring 2.5 micrometres or less, can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. They are primarily generated by vehicular emissions, industrial activities, construction and road dust, waste burning and other combustion sources.
According to the Decision Support System for Delhi, the transport sector contributed 19.2 per cent to the city's pollution on Monday, while industries in Delhi and surrounding areas accounted for 4.2 per cent. Stubble burning contributed 8.4 per cent.
The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi has forecast that pollution levels are likely to remain in the ‘very poor’ category from November 3 to 5, with a marginal improvement to the ‘poor’ category expected over the following six days.
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