Delhi Smog Alert: AQI Hits ‘Very Poor’, Offices Go 50% Remote

Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) are currently struggling under a severe blanket of smog, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching a concerning 363, firmly in the ‘very poor’ category. Despite the implementation of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-III measures, air quality saw minimal improvement from the previous day. Numerous areas within Delhi recorded alarmingly high AQI readings, with Anand Vihar peaking at 401 in the ‘Severe’ category. Other affected zones include Wazirpur (400), Bawana (388), RK Puram (390), and Punjabi Bagh (391). Visibility across the capital, including at major landmarks like AIIMS and Safdarjung Hospital, has been drastically reduced due to the dense smog. The situation is equally dire in NCR cities, with Noida reporting an AQI of 456, Greater Noida at 455, Ghaziabad at 454, Faridabad at 444, and Gurugram at 404. In response to the hazardous air, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has mandated GRAP Stage-III. This involves government and private offices operating with only 50% of their staff on-site, while the rest must work remotely. Exemptions are provided for essential services like hospitals, fire departments, and public transport. Health experts are issuing strong warnings, noting that exposure to these pollution levels can lead to respiratory issues, watery eyes, and exacerbate existing conditions like asthma. Authorities are also investigating a potential, though uncertain, link to volcanic ash from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi eruption. Meanwhile, a protest against the escalating air pollution at India Gate was dispersed, with police registering cases against several individuals. The forecast indicates continued colder, foggy mornings with temperatures potentially dropping to 9°C, and moderate fog expected to persist across Delhi-NCR until November 26th. Current PM2.5 levels are at 294 µg/m³ and PM10 at 396 µg/m³, significantly exceeding WHO safety guidelines.