Delhi imposed stricter anti-pollution measures under GRAP-3 on Saturday after air quality deteriorated to the severe category. According to official monitoring data, the Air Quality Index stood at 405 around noon, worsening from nearly 390 recorded during the early hours of the day.
Under the Graded Response Action Plan, winter pollution levels are classified into four stages based on AQI readings. GRAP-3 comes into effect when AQI crosses 401, signalling severe air quality conditions that pose serious health risks.
The measures include a ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities, along with restrictions on stone crushing and mining operations. Older diesel-powered goods vehicles have been barred from entering Delhi. Schools up to Class 5 have shifted to a hybrid mode of learning, while offices in Delhi-NCR have been advised to function with only 50 percent staff.
Several parts of the city reported extremely high pollution levels. Wazirpur recorded the worst AQI at 443, followed by Jahangirpuri, Vivek Vihar, Anand Vihar, Ghazipur, Rohini and other areas, all remaining in the severe range.
Experts attribute the worsening air quality to stagnant winds, vehicular and industrial emissions, and seasonal factors such as crop residue burning. Health specialists warn that prolonged exposure may worsen respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.
Despite low visibility due to smog, flight operations at Delhi Airport remained normal, with low visibility procedures in place.
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