Delhi AQI Surpasses 370 as Pollution Rises

Delhi’s air quality has plunged to alarming levels, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) surpassing 370 across several areas despite the implementation of stringent pollution-control measures. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reported that extensive efforts to enforce compliance with air quality norms included shutting down 56 construction sites and inspecting 597 additional ones for violations. AQI readings in key locations such as Anand Vihar (432), Jahangirpuri (412), and Wazirpur (411) exceeded 400, indicating critical air pollution levels, which pose significant health hazards for residents.

To further curb emissions, the city intensified its vehicle inspection initiatives. Over 54,000 vehicles lacking pollution-under-control (PUC) certificates were fined, and approximately 3,900 overweight vehicles were seized. In addition, more than 5,300 inspections addressed illegal waste dumping, with penalties imposed on violators for waste burning. These steps mark an aggressive attempt to tackle the city’s rising pollution, but the data indicates limited impact so far. Areas like Dwarka, Punjabi Bagh, and Rohini continued to record AQI levels above 400, illustrating the challenge of controlling pollution amid the city’s dense population and industrial activity.

CAQM has also implemented dust and emissions control measures to reduce particulate matter in the air. The deployment of street-sweeping machines, daily sprinklers, and anti-smog guns has been expanded, targeting high-traffic areas. Over 1,400 inspections of industrial buildings and diesel generators were conducted, imposing strict penalties on non-compliant facilities. Nonetheless, AQI readings remain critically high, underscoring the urgency of sustainable solutions to curb persistent emissions and safeguard public health.

In an ongoing effort, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was escalated to Stage II on October 22, allowing for targeted action as air quality levels hover between “poor” and “severe plus.” A GRAP control room, in coordination with NCR states via WhatsApp groups, ensures rapid response to changing air quality metrics. However, despite these measures, Delhi continues to struggle with severe air quality issues. The high pollution levels underscore the need for long-term sustainability measures and community awareness initiatives to ensure a healthier environment for residents.