With Delhi’s air quality remaining dangerously high, joggers and walkers are avoiding parks and open spaces. The government has stepped up measures under the Graded Response Action Plan, including restrictions on vehicles and construction, as pollution levels continue to threaten public health.
By PC Bureau
Face masks are making a comeback in Delhi, and joggers and walkers are staying away from parks and open spaces as the city’s air quality worsens. On Friday, Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘severe’ category for the second consecutive day, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 420, a slight improvement from Thursday’s 430 but still dangerously high.
The ongoing pollution crisis has led to health concerns, prompting residents to take precautionary measures, while outdoor activities continue to be restricted due to the hazardous air quality.
According to SAFAR-India, Anand Vihar station logged a reading of 455 AQI, while Bawana recorded 449, Mathura Road 388, Dwarka Sector 8 456, IGI Airport 447, ITO 395, Jahangirpuri 456, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium 389, Lodhi Road 379, Mandir Marg 425, Mundka 459, Najafgarh 438, Narela 436, Nehru Nagar 457, North Campus DU 400, Okhla Phase 2 437, Patparganj 461, RK Puram 450, Rohini 454, Siri Fort 440, Vivek Vihar 447, and Wazirpur 456 among others.
To combat the worsening air pollution, the Delhi government has activated the third stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This includes a ban on construction activities, restrictions on older vehicles, and the closure of schools for physical classes.
Key Measures Under GRAP Stage 3:
- Vehicle Restrictions: BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles are banned in Delhi and the NCR.
- Construction Ban: All construction and demolition activities are suspended.
- School Closures: Primary schools will remain closed for physical classes. Online classes are permitted.
- Inter-State Bus Restrictions: Inter-state buses from NCR states, except electric, CNG, and BS-VI diesel buses, are prohibited from entering Delhi.
- Public Transport: Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has added 20 additional trips on weekdays to accommodate increased demand.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has ordered strict enforcement of these measures, with violations punishable by a fine of Rs 20,000.
As the air quality crisis persists, doctors are advising residents to take necessary precautions, such as minimizing outdoor activities and wearing masks.
| # | CITY | US AQI⁺ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  New Delhi, Delhi | 542 |
| 2 | Delhi, Delhi | 539 |
| 3 | Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh | 474 |
| 4 | Faridabad, Haryana | 253 |
| 5 | Meerut, Uttar Pradesh | 243 |
| 6 | Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh | 235 |
| 7 | Noida, Uttar Pradesh | 229 |
| 8 | Gurugram, Haryana | 228 |
| 9 | Patna, Bihar | 218 |
| 10 | Durgapur, West Bengal | 205 |
