Delhi's Air Quality Falls to 'Poor' Category Amid Rising Pollution After Dussehra

New Delhi: The national capital's air quality dipped to the 'poor' category on Monday, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 220 recorded at 9 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. The deterioration in air quality began on Sunday, the day after Dussehra, prompted the Centre to decide to closely monitor the situation before implementing anti-air pollution measures under Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

The city recorded a minimum temperature of 18.6 degrees Celsius, one notch below the season's average, as residents experienced a shift in weather conditions. The maximum temperature is likely to settle around 35 degrees Celsius, according to the weather department.

The increase in pollution levels can be attributed to the Dussehra festivities held on Saturday, during which effigies of demon king Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and son Meghnad were set on fire in open grounds throughout the national capital. With the air quality declining, authorities are urging residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor, and 401 and 500 severe. 

The CAQM Sub-Committee is responsible for implementing GRAP -- a set of emergency measures to control air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region during winter.

GRAP is categorised into four stages based on Delhi's air quality: Stage I -- 'Poor' (AQI 201-300); Stage II -- 'Very Poor' (AQI 301-400); Stage III -- 'Severe' (AQI 401-450); and Stage IV -- 'Severe Plus' (AQI >450).

After thoroughly reviewing the situation, the Sub-Committee decided to monitor the air quality for another day or more before taking action under Stage 1 of GRAP. It will continue to closely watch the situation for further decisions, the statement said.

Under Stage 1, GRAP calls for strict enforcement of the Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal orders on phasing out of overage diesel and petrol vehicles. It also mandates a complete ban on the use of coal and firewood in eateries, restaurants and hotels once the AQI crosses the 200 mark.