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Delhi-NCR Air Quality Dips to Very Poor, GRAP Stage II Imposed

Regulators activated Stage II curbs following forecasts of further deterioration.

Ahead of Diwali, the atmosphere in the national capital was shrouded in smog.
Photo:SNS
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Overview

  • CAQM invoked Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan across Delhi-NCR after the city’s AQI climbed from 296 at 4 pm to 302 at 7 pm on Sunday.
  • Several hotspots breached the ‘severe’ threshold, with Akshardham at 426 and Anand Vihar ranging around 418–430, while many other stations reported ‘very poor’ levels.
  • Stage II measures include daily mechanical sweeping and water sprinkling, stricter dust control at construction and demolition sites, discouraging diesel generator sets, expanded public transport, and higher parking fees.
  • Official forecasts from EWS/IMD/IITM indicate pollution could tip into ‘severe’ by October 21 if emissions escalate during Diwali, with dispersion dependent on wind conditions.
  • Decision Support System data flagged transport as the largest single contributor (~15.6% on Saturday), with fireworks and stubble smoke adding to stagnant weather effects; authorities stepped up patrols and sprinklers, and the Supreme Court permitted limited ‘green cracker’ use in fixed time slots.