In a move to further strengthen industrial emission control measures across the National Capital Region (NCR), the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has issued Statutory Direction No. 98, proposing a uniform and more stringent Particulate Matter (PM)
As per AQI classification, a reading between 0 and 50 is 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor' and 401 to 500 'severe'.
The Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked all Stage III actions across Delhi-NCR with immediate effect on Thursday (January 22) in view of the improvement in air quality and forecast trends.
In view of the deteriorating air quality in the national capital, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Tuesday invoked measures under Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi and the National Capital Region.
Dense fog enveloped several parts of the national capital and adjoining areas of the National Capital Region (NCR) on Wednesday morning, severely reducing visibility and disrupting normal movement across key stretches.
Locals reported experiencing breathing difficulties, eye irritation and other health issues due to the worsening pollution levels. Many residents also expressed concern for vulnerable groups, including the elderly and children, who are more susceptible to respiratory problems.
Pollution indicators also showed marked improvement. Delhi registered an average PM2.5 concentration of 85 ug/m³, the lowest since 2018 and on par with 2020. In comparison, the PM2.5 average was 98 in 2024, 90 in 2023, 95 in 2021, and 103 in 2018.
The national capital woke up to a thick layer of toxic smog on Tuesday morning with an average Air Quality Index (AQI) at 341 at 7 am, remaining in the "very poor" category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).