Delhi AQI / Delhi wakes up to 'Very Poor' air quality, AQI at 314

New Delhi, Nov 2: Delhi's air quality has deteriorated to the 'Very Poor' category for the first time this winter season, with the overall AQI reaching 314 at 10 AM on Sunday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board.

The deterioration comes just a day after the Delhi government's Winter Action Plan and pollution-control measures came into force on November 1. With the AQI crossing the 300 mark, the national capital has entered the range associated with Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

According to CPCB data, RK Puram recorded an AQI of 370, while Akshardham and ITO registered 349 each. India Gate and Janpath recorded 335. Other areas also reported elevated pollution levels. Sirifort recorded an AQI of 354, Chandni Chowk 361, Burari Crossing 354, Alipur 382 and Delhi University's North Campus 359. Dwarka Sector-8 recorded an AQI of 357, while Mandir Marg and Pusa registered 340 each. CRRI Mathura Road recorded 334, JNU 319 and Talkatora Garden 322. Among other locations, Uttam Nagar recorded 310, Nangloi 319, NIH Narela 353 and Jharoda Kalan 237. With Delhi's overall AQI reaching 314, the city has entered the 'Very Poor' category, indicating a significant deterioration in air quality.

The worsening air quality coincides with the implementation of the Delhi government's Winter Action Plan from November 1. The pollution-control measures will remain in force for varying periods until February 28. As part of the plan, dust-generating demolition and outdoor civil construction activities have been prohibited from November 1 to January 31, except for specified essential public infrastructure projects that fulfil prescribed conditions. A further restriction on construction and demolition activities, with specified exemptions, will remain in force from December 10 to January 20.

The Delhi government offices will operate from 10 AM to 6:30 PM, while Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) offices will function from 8:30 AM to 5 PM until February 28.

Additionally, parking charges at authorised parking facilities across the capital have been doubled from November 1 to February 28 to discourage the use of private vehicles. Government and private offices have also been asked to restrict physical attendance to 50%, with the remaining employees working from home.

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Authorities imposed penalties and environmental compensation amounting to Rs 68.4 lakh on the first day of implementing the Winter Action Plan. Enforcement teams inspected nearly 15,000 vehicles, turned back 1,539 vehicles at border points and issued 566 challans for violations related to PUCC.

The government has introduced restrictions targeting construction dust, private vehicle use and workplace attendance. However, the latest AQI readings highlight the continuing challenge of controlling air pollution in the national capital.