Delhi's Air Quality Hits Season High as Pollution Levels Surge to 387

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Delhi's air quality plummeted to its worst level this season on Saturday evening, reaching a staggering 387 at 11 pm. The hourly average index had steadily worsened from 322 on Friday to 361 by 4 pm on Saturday, according to Central Pollution Control Board data. This surge in pollution has raised concerns, especially since the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) did not implement stricter emergency measures, despite the Supreme Court's directive to do so when the Air Quality Index (AQI) crosses 350. Experts attribute the worsening air quality to local emissions, with the decision support system estimating that farm fires in Punjab and Haryana contributed only 8.64% to the pollution levels. Meteorological conditions remain similar to Friday, leading experts to speculate that pollution mitigation measures may be falling short. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has urged residents to carpool, use public transport, and work from home to reduce pollution. However, her appeal falls short of the stricter measures mandated by the Supreme Court, such as a ban on private vehicles and construction activities. The CAQM has called for urgent action from Punjab and Haryana to curb stubble burning incidents, but has yet to implement Stage 3 restrictions. The Air Quality Early Warning System projects very poor conditions to persist until Tuesday, with the outlook for the subsequent six days also indicating poor air quality. This is the second time this month that the AQI has crossed 350, and experts warn that the situation may worsen if stricter measures are not implemented. The Supreme Court had directed the CAQM to implement Stage 3 measures when the AQI reaches 350, but the commission has yet to take action.