Delhi chokes under toxic smog: AQI hits record high, GRAP-4 regulations triggered
New Delhi (Uttam Hindu News) – Air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR) has broken all records for the past several days. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached the severe category across the NCR, including Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad. Many areas recorded AQIs above 450, while some places saw it approaching 500.
Due to the alarming pollution situation, the entire NCR has turned into a gas chamber. The situation in Delhi is the worst. The AQI was recorded in the 'severe' category at most of the monitoring stations in Delhi. The AQI was recorded in the 'severe' category at Anand Vihar 461, Ashok Vihar 471, Bawana 442, Chandni Chowk 454, Jahangirpuri 468, Rohini 471, Vivek Vihar 472, and Wazirpur 473. The ITO area recorded 430, RK Puram 439, Sonia Vihar 467, and Mandir Marg 371. The IGI Airport (T-3) area also recorded an AQI of 339, which falls in the poor to severe category.
The situation in Noida and Ghaziabad also remained worrisome. In Noida, Sector 62 recorded an AQI of 375, Sector 1 439, and Sector 116 422. In Ghaziabad, Indirapuram recorded an AQI of 433, Loni 476, Sanjay Nagar 389, and Vasundhara 457.
These figures clearly show that pollution has reached dangerous levels even in cities adjacent to Delhi. According to the Indian Meteorological Department, a thick blanket of fog and smog has enveloped the entire NCR since morning. Dense fog was recorded in the morning on January 19th, while moderate fog is also expected in the coming days. High humidity and low wind speeds have trapped pollutants in the atmosphere, further worsening the situation.
In view of the severe pollution, Phase 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been implemented in the NCR. Under this, vehicles entering Delhi are being strictly checked. Along with stopping polluting vehicles, strict restrictions have also been imposed on construction activities. Experts say that if the weather does not change and strong winds do not blow, the situation may worsen in the coming days. The administration has appealed to the people not to go out of the house unnecessarily, use masks, and take special care of children and the elderly