New Delhi: The air quality in Delhi continued to remain in the ‘very poor’ category on Wednesday. According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) data, the Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi was recorded at 349. The data also showed that the Jahangirpuri area in the national capital was the worst affected, with an AQI of 417, while the AQI at Anand Vihar was recorded at 402.
Many visuals emerged from various parts of the city showing a thick layer of smog covering Delhi. Visuals surfaced from areas such as Lodhi Road, the airport area, near India Gate, and more, shared by news agency ANI.
#WATCH | Delhi: A thin layer of smog engulfs the National Capital as the air quality continues to deteriorate.(Visuals from Lodhi Road) pic.twitter.com/XoQEHKtyD7
— ANI (@ANI) October 23, 2024
#WATCH | Delhi: A thin layer of smog engulfs the National Capital as the air quality continues to deteriorate. (Visuals from Aerocity area) pic.twitter.com/I0bGGuCYbC
— ANI (@ANI) October 23, 2024
In response to the deteriorating air quality in Delhi, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) directed the implementation of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage II. The order issued by CAQM made it mandatory to implement measures such as mechanical/vacuum sweeping and daily water sprinkling on identified roads, ensuring water sprinkling along with the use of dust suppressants to control road dust, and intensifying inspections for strict enforcement of dust control measures, among others.
Delhi Minister Takes Stock of the Situation
Delhi Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday urged the transport ministers of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan to ensure that no diesel buses from their states ply to the national capital in view of the GRAP II restrictions.
He also announced several measures, including enhanced sprinkling to control road dust, the use of dust suppressants, and the deployment of additional traffic personnel to ease traffic congestion. He further declared extra metro trips and the deployment of more than 6,000 Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) staff for road dust control.