Delhi-NCR air worsens before Diwali: AQI turns very poor in several areas; Check details

Air quality in Delhi-NCR worsened on Thursday ahead of Diwali celebrations in the national capital.

In areas such as Anand Vihar, the air quality index touched 336 as of 7 am. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, an AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor' and 401 to 500 'severe'.

As the air quality started deteriorating, the Central Air Quality Management (CAQM) imposed Stage-I restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect on Tuesday.


The air quality of the national capital had deteriorated to 211 Tuesday, marking the first ‘poor' air quality day in Delhi since June 11, when the AQI was recorded at 245.

"Delhi's air quality is expected to remain in the ‘poor' category from Oct 14 to 16," TOI reported quoting officials. After this, AQI is expected to fluctuate between ‘poor' and ‘very poor', the report added.

GRAP-1 restrictions aim to curb pollution at the source, especially that originating from dust, vehicles and industrial emissions.

What is restricted under GRAP-1?

• Strict dust control at construction and demolition sites. Private projects of 500 square metres or more are barred from proceeding without approved dust mitigation plans.
• Ban on open burning of waste, including garbage, biomass, and municipal solid waste.
• Prohibition on use of coal or firewood in roadside eateries and commercial kitchens.
• Limited use of diesel generators unless essential or emergency.
• Traffic curbs including deployment of personnel at busy intersections and instructions to turn off vehicle engines at red lights.
• Ban on visibly polluting vehicles, with provisions for impounding or heavy penalties.
• Crackdown on old vehicles: Diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years remain banned in Delhi.
• Ban on firecrackers: The production, sale, and storage of firecrackers are banned in the NCR until January 1, 2025.
• Action against polluting industries and thermal power plants operating within 300 km of Delhi.