Thick smog blankets Delhi-NCR as air quality stays in severe zone

Delhi once again woke up to a thick layer of smog on Monday as the air quality remained in the severe category across the National Capital Region NCR raising serious health concerns for residents reported news agency IANSAt the same time visibility dropped sharply in several parts of the regionThe overall Air Quality Index AQI stood at 457 as of 6 am according to the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi reported IANSVisuals from across the national capital showed a dense haze suspended in the air making it difficult to see even a short distance ahead and affecting early morning movementThe India Meteorological Department IMD had issued a dense fog warning for the morning and forenoon hours with such conditions reported from the Safdarjung observatoryThe maximum temperature in the city was recorded at 23 degrees Celsius while the minimum temperature settled at 8 degrees CelsiusPollution levels remained alarming across multiple monitoring stations In the Akshardham area the AQI was recorded at 493 which falls under the severe category as per the Central Pollution Control Board CPCBSimilar conditions were observed in Dwarka Sector14 where the AQI stood at 469At Wazirpur Rohini and Ashok Vihar the 24hour average AQI touched 500 the maximum level recorded by monitoring instruments underscoring the gravity of the pollution crisis gripping the city reported IANSAccording to the pollution board air quality is categorised as moderate when the AQI ranges between 101 and 200 poor between 201 and 300 and very poor between 301 and 400 When the AQI exceeds 400 air quality is classified as severeFor mitigation measures levels of 450 and above are termed severe plus though CPCB values do not go beyond 500 a threshold already considered extremely hazardous by the agencyGRAP StageIV invoked in DelhiWith Delhis air quality plunging well beyond critical limits the Commission for Air Quality Management activated StageIV of the Graded Response Action Plan across the entire National Capital RegionThe highest level of restrictions comes into force when the AQI crosses 450 and is aimed at preventing further deterioration while reducing public exposure to toxic airUnder GRAP StageIV stringent measures are now in place including a complete halt on construction and demolition activities across DelhiNCRStone crushers mining units and associated operations have also been ordered to shut down as they significantly contribute to dust and fine particulate matterRestrictions on vehicles have been further tightened particularly targeting polluting fourwheelers on major urban roads as authorities scramble to curb emissions amid the worsening air quality situationWith inputs from IANS