Delhi pollution: Slight relief, smog still prevails

New Delhi: The air quality in Delhi and surrounding areas, including Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram, showed slight improvement on Thursday but remained in the “severe” category. A thin layer of smog continued to cover the region.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) was 419 on Wednesday, down from 444 on Tuesday. Earlier in the week, it had reached nearly 500 in the “severe plus” category, marking one of the worst readings since AQI tracking began in 2015.

Areas such as Anand Vihar, Jahangirpuri, and Nehru Nagar recorded AQI levels above 400 on Thursday morning, indicating “severe” pollution. Despite the smoggy conditions, people were seen jogging and walking near India Gate and Kartavya Path.

In response to the severe air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revised the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Under Stages 3 and 4 of GRAP, schools in Delhi and nearby districts, including Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar, have been ordered to close.

The new rules also require state governments to adjust the working hours of public offices and municipal bodies in these areas to reduce pollution levels.