Delhi Chokes: AQI Hits 434, Grap-4 Restrictions Imposed
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{ "title": "Delhi Chokes: AQI Hits 434, Grap-4 Restrictions Imposed", "article": "Delhi's air quality deteriorated sharply on Saturday, crossing the 400 mark for the first time this year, forcing the Commission for Air Quality Management to invoke Grap-4 emergency restrictions. The Capital's Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a record 434 by 11pm, the worst reading since December 14. This marks the first 'severe' air day since December 29. The AQI had climbed from 354 on Friday to 400 by 4pm on Saturday before surging to 434. The deterioration came despite Stage 3 measures implemented a day earlier to curb pollution. Under Grap-4 restrictions, entry of BS-IV truck traffic into Delhi is restricted, construction and demolition work are banned, and schools up to Class 10 must shift to hybrid lessons. Weather experts attribute the sharp deterioration to calm winds and high humidity under the influence of warm easterlies. However, wind speed is expected to pick up in the next two days, which may help improve air quality. The Air Quality Early Warning System forecast shows air quality will remain 'severe' through Sunday before improving to 'very poor' from Monday through Tuesday. The outlook for the subsequent six days suggests air quality will remain in the 'very poor' to 'poor' category. The city also experienced moderate fog on Saturday morning, with visibility dropping to 200 metres in some areas. Delhi airport saw over 550 flight delays on Saturday due to the poor air quality and fog. A yellow alert has been issued for Sunday, warning of 'moderate' to 'dense fog' in early hours."
