Smog emergency: Visibility drops to zero, AQI above 450; GRAP-3 enforced

Noida (The Uttam Hindu): Residents of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) once again faced heavy fog on Saturday morning. Visibility in many areas was so severe that it was nearly zero. Roads became difficult to navigate, and drivers were forced to travel at slow speeds.

The air remains in the extremely toxic category, with the AQI exceeding 450 in many areas. In response to the worsening pollution situation, the administration has once again begun strictly enforcing the GRAP-3 regulations. Construction activities have been halted, diesel vehicles banned, and monitoring of industrial units has been increased.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department, dense fog was recorded in the morning, with the maximum temperature around 22 degrees Celsius and the minimum around 7 degrees Celsius. Along with the fog, pollution has also added to the woes of the National Capital Region (NCR). According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Uttar Pradesh Public Health Board (UPPCB), and the International Medical Center (IMD), the Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached the severe category in many areas of the National Capital Region (NCR).

In Noida, Sector 125 recorded an AQI of 381, Sector 62 361, Sector 1 418, and Sector 116 375. In Ghaziabad, Indirapuram recorded an AQI of 360, Loni 412, Sanjay Nagar 307, and Vasundhara 437.

The situation in Delhi looked even worse. The AQI in Anand Vihar reached 450, which is extremely worrying. Chandni Chowk recorded 435, Patparganj 440, Nehru Nagar 425, Punjabi Bagh 399, DU North Campus 400, Rohini 396, RK Puram 379, Bawana 368, Okhla Phase-2 367, Alipur 352, Ashok Vihar 391, Aya Nagar 322, DTU 353 and CRRI Mathura Road recorded 308 AQI.