Delhi Chokes: AQI Hits 'Severe' Levels, Schools Go Hybrid Amid Worst Pollution of Season
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Delhi-NCR residents woke up to a thick haze, with the national capital's air quality index (AQI) soaring to an alarming 413 on Tuesday morning. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that 31 of the 39 active stations in the city recorded 'severe' air quality, with Wazirpur topping the chart at 458. The AQI had risen from 362 on Monday to 429 (as of 11:30 am) on Tuesday, with Mundka recording a shocking 464. In response, the Delhi government implemented Stage-III of its Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which went into effect immediately. As a result, the Directorate of Education ordered all schools in the NCR region to switch to a hybrid mode for students up to Class 5. The Centre's Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) predicts some respite, forecasting marginal winds and a possible return to 'very poor' air quality by Wednesday. Skymet's Vice President, Mahesh Palawat, attributed the worsening air quality to calm winds on Monday and dipping temperatures, which led to a buildup of pollutants. He expects winds to stay consistent on Wednesday, potentially bringing some improvement. For context, AQI levels are categorized as follows: 100-200 (moderate), 201-300 (poor), 301-400 (very poor), and 401-500 (severe). The latter affects healthy individuals and exacerbates existing conditions.
