The national capital woke up to dense smog on Sunday morning as well. The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in New Delhi stood at 381 at 7 am, falling under the `very poor` category despite the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-IV in effect across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
As reported by news agency ANI, a layer of thick smog engulfed several areas, showing little to no improvement from Sunday morning`s AQI of 359.
As per the data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Bawana recorded the highest AQI level of 435 at 7 am, falling under the `severe` category. In contrast, NSIT Dwarka recorded the lowest AQI of 313, reported ANI.
Furthermore, a layer of toxic smog also lingered in the air of Anand Vihar, as the Central Pollution Control Board reported that the Air Quality Index in the area is 429, categorised as `very poor`.
Chandani Chowk, which is one of the busiest areas of Delhi, recorded an AQI of 390. Whereas recorded RK Puram 397, ITO 384, Punjabi Bagh 411, Patparganj 401, Pusa 360, and Dwaraka Sector-8 386.
Furthermore, the visuals from India Gate and Kartavya Path are blanketed in a layer of toxic smog, with the AQI in the area at 388 in the `very poor` category, according to the CPCB.
According to AQI categorisation, 0-50 is `good`, 51-100 `satisfactory`, 101-200 `moderate`, 201-300 `poor`, 301-400 `very poor`, and 401-500 `severe`.
CAQM revises the Graded Response Action Plan for the National Capital Region
Meanwhile on Saturday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) NCR and Adjoining Areas has revised the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for the entire NCR, directing that the measures for the `Severe` AQI category under GRAP Stage IV be taken under GRAP Stage III, a press release said.
According to a press release by CAQM, as measures under GRAP IV are now under GRAP III, the NCR State Governments/GNCTD will decide whether public, municipal, and private offices can operate at 50 per cent strength, with the rest working from home. The Central Government may take a decision on permitting work from home for employees in central government offices, reported ANI.
(With inputs from ANI)