Overview

• Delhi recorded an overall AQI of about 211 on Oct. 14, its first day in the poor category since June, with pockets like Anand Vihar touching very poor levels near 374.
• The CAQM Sub-Committee invoked Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan across the NCR with immediate effect after reviewing IMD and IITM projections.
• Stage I triggers a 27-point plan focused on dust control at construction sites, bans on open burning, limits on diesel generator use, stricter checks on visibly polluting vehicles, and tighter oversight of industries.
• Agencies across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan were directed to enforce, monitor and review the measures, with citizens urged to follow the GRAP charter and report violations via official apps.
• Experts cite post-monsoon stagnation, lower wind speeds and local emissions as key drivers, while DSS data indicated farm fires contributed only about 0.62% to PM2.5 on the reported day.