Indian capital imposes some curbs as air quality falls to 'poor' category

By Ahmad Adil

NEW DELHI (AA) - Authorities in the Indian capital, New Delhi, and adjoining areas have imposed restrictions as air quality begins to deteriorate with the onset of winter.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 244 on a scale of 500, placing it in the 'poor' category, according to officials.

An AQI reading of 201-300 falls in the 'poor' category, while readings of 301-400 are classified as 'very poor' and those between 401 and 500 as 'severe'. According to experts, air quality in the severe category can affect even healthy people.

"With Delhi's AQI rising from 179 yesterday to 244 today, GRAP Stage-I is now in force across Delhi-NCR," Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said on Wednesday.

Sirsa said he had directed all concerned departments to step up action against dust pollution, waste burning and polluting vehicles.

Restrictions under Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) include mechanized sweeping and water sprinkling on roads, as well as a ban on the open burning of waste.

"The forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) has also predicted the AQI to remain in the 'poor' category in the coming days," the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said in an order.

Air pollution remains a persistent problem in New Delhi, with the situation typically worsening during winter. Emissions from coal-fired power plants and industrial units around the city, along with crop-residue burning by farmers in neighboring states, contribute to deteriorating air quality.