Delhi's Air Quality Hits Crisis Levels, Authorities Scramble to Avoid Stringent Curbs
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{ "title": "Delhi's Air Quality Hits Crisis Levels, Authorities Scramble to Avoid Stringent Curbs", "article": "Delhi woke up to its worst air quality crisis yet, with pollution levels soaring to alarming heights. On Sunday morning, the Air Quality Early Warning System reported an AQI of 392, while several areas recorded readings above 400, ranking the capital among the world's most polluted cities. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) categorises air quality into six zones, with severe pollution classified as 401-500. Delhi's 24-hour average AQI stood at 361 on Saturday, placing it firmly in the 'red zone.' Multiple areas, including Alipur, ITO, Nehru Nagar, Vivek Vihar, Wazirpur, and Burari, recorded AQI readings above 415. While the city struggles with toxic air, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) claims that government measures have improved air quality this year compared to last. According to CPCB data, six out of the first seven days of November had better AQI than last year, thanks to timely implementation of departmental instructions. However, authorities are not taking any chances, with officials saying they are working to avoid enforcing Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). While Delhi has managed to stay below the pollution levels that prompted stricter curbs last year, officials are concerned that the city may still reach the threshold. Meanwhile, Noida and Ghaziabad recorded their poorest October air quality in five years, with average AQI readings of 236 and 227, respectively. Experts attribute the worsening air quality to early Diwali celebrations, which caused excessive vehicular pollution and the bursting of fireworks. The primary pollutants driving Delhi's toxic air are PM2.5 and PM10, fine and coarse particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, posing serious health risks. While authorities are working to improve air quality, concerns remain over the accuracy of Delhi's AQI data, with some experts questioning the reliability of the city's monitoring stations. "
