Layer of smog engulfs national capital; overall AQI drops to 293

New Delhi [India], October 18 (ANI): A layer of smog engulfed the national capital on Friday as the overall Air Quality Index has dropped to the ‘Poor’ category standing at 293.

AQI at Anand Vihar area of Delhi has dropped to 339, which is categorised as ‘Very Poor’.

AQI at India Gate and surrounding areas has been recorded at 270, marked as ‘Poor’.

AQI at Dwarka, Sector-8 has been recorded at 325 putting the area under the ‘Very Poor’ category.

Vivek Vihar area of the national capital has moved to the category Very Poor’ with AQI standing at 324.

As per the Central Pollution Control Board, the AQI when marked under the ‘Poor’ category can cause breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure, whereas, when under the ‘Very poor’ category can cause respiratory illness on prolonged exposure.

PWD vehicles sprinkled water in the parts of the national capital to reduce dust pollution in compliance with GRAP-1.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Delhi Government announced the strict implementation of measures under the Graded Response Action Plan-1 (GRAP-1) to improve air quality in the national capital, according to a statement from the Delhi Chief Minister’s Office.

The announcement followed a high-level meeting chaired by Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, with Environment Minister Gopal Rai and senior officials in attendance.

According to the statement, 99 teams have been assigned to inspect construction sites for dust control. The Public Welfare Department (PWD) will deploy 200 anti-smog guns, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) 30, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) 14, and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) 80.

Additionally, Delhi Police will assign extra personnel to traffic-prone areas, and Home Guards will be on standby if needed.

Chief Minister Atishi also urged Delhi residents to carpool, refrain from burning crackers and waste, and report pollution incidents via the Green Delhi app.

The teams will ensure that dust control measures are adhered to at both government and private construction sites, with particular attention to the removal of construction and demolition (C&D) waste, which increases PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels and contributes to dust pollution, she added.

To further control road dust, anti-smog guns will be deployed this season. Atishi directed the PWD to deploy 200 anti-smog guns on its roads and at major pollution hotspots. (ANI)