New Delhi: Delhi’s air quality deteriorated sharply on Saturday, prompting authorities to invoke GRAP-3 anti-pollution measures. Early morning readings recorded an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 390, classified as ‘very poor,’ while several localities, including Wazirpur (AQI 443) and Jahangirpuri (AQI 439), entered the ‘severe’ category.
Under GRAP-3, non-essential construction, demolition, stone crushing, and mining activities are suspended. Older diesel goods vehicles are barred from entering the city, schools up to Class 5 shift to hybrid learning, and offices in Delhi-NCR are allowed to operate with only 50% staff.
Environmental experts attribute the worsening air to stagnant winds, vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and crop residue burning in neighbouring states. Health specialists warned that prolonged exposure to such pollution could trigger asthma attacks, reduce lung function, stress the cardiovascular system, and cause eye and throat irritation.
Delhi Airport issued an advisory, noting that all flight operations are normal, but low-visibility procedures remain in effect. Friday had also seen heavy smog across the city, with the AQI at 386, particularly affecting areas like Ghazipur and Anand Vihar.
