Delhi-NCR Choking Under Severe Pollution; AQI Crosses 400 in Several Areas
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Air quality in Delhi-NCR remained in the “very poor” to “severe” category on Monday, with a thick layer of smog covering the capital. At 6 AM, Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 360. Six locations recorded AQI levels above 400, falling under the severe category.
In Delhi, AQI levels were recorded as follows: Alipur 386, Anand Vihar 384, Ashok Vihar 392, Chandni Chowk 383, ITO 394, Lodhi Road 337, Mundka 396, Nehru Nagar 389, and Siri Fort 368. Meanwhile, several areas witnessed AQI levels crossing 400—Bawana 427, DTU 403, Jahangirpuri 407, Narela 406, Rohini 404, and Wazirpur 401.
Noida and Greater Noida also showed no signs of improvement. Pollution levels remained extremely poor. In Noida, AQI readings were: Sector 62 at 319, Sector 116 at 361, Sector 1 at 361, and Sector 125 at 383. In Greater Noida, Knowledge Park-3 recorded 356, and Knowledge Park-5 touched 416. Due to persistent toxic air, cases of respiratory problems are rising steadily.
Supreme Court to Resume Hearing on Pollution Crisis
The Supreme Court will resume hearing on the public interest plea regarding rising pollution levels in Delhi-NCR on Monday. According to the court’s website, a bench comprising Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justices K. Vinod Chandran and N.V. Anjaria will continue the proceedings on 17 November.
During the last hearing, the court expressed concern that despite the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), pollution levels were not declining. The Punjab and Haryana governments were asked to submit detailed reports on measures taken to curb stubble burning. The court also noted that AQI levels in several parts of Delhi-NCR had crossed 450.
Earlier, the bench had asked the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to submit a detailed report on its monitoring and enforcement actions, and directed the Centre to consider strict penalties including arrest to stop stubble burning by farmers.