Delhi Stations Record Severe Air Pollution After Diwali

Parts of Delhi recorded severe air pollution early on November 9, with smog reducing visibility in several areas, including Inderlok. Readings attributed to the Central Pollution Control Board put the air quality index at ITO at 406 at about 4:20 a.m. Indian Standard Time. That figure was a station reading, rather than Delhi’s citywide average. Other monitoring locations also recorded high pollution levels. Rajiv Chowk registered an AQI of 381 at 1:30 a.m., while the South Extension area recorded 360 at 4 a.m. Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan remained in force across Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region. The Commission for Air Quality Management invoked Stage III on November 6, when Delhi’s daily average AQI was 382, in the “Very Poor” category. Its subcommittee reviewed air-quality conditions and forecasts from the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology. The commission attributed poor pollutant dispersion to unfavorable weather conditions and said: “Delhi’s overall air quality is likely to stay in ‘Severe’ category in the coming days.” The November 6 decision applied Stage III measures immediately throughout the NCR, alongside the existing Stage I and Stage II measures. The commission asked pollution-control boards in NCR states and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee to ensure strict implementation. It said it would continue monitoring conditions and regularly review the region’s air quality in the coming days.