Delhi pollution peaks again as the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed 400 in several parts of the capital on Thursday morning, entering the ‘severe’ category. The worsening air quality has led to health warnings and renewed public concern. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-III remains in effect, yet the toxic haze shows little sign of improvement.
During a Supreme Court hearing on November 13, Justice PS Narsimha urged lawyers to use virtual facilities, saying, “Even masks are not enough. The pollution will cause permanent damage.” His comments came as visibility dropped across the city, and smog blanketed major areas like India Gate and Kartavya Path.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Bawana recorded the highest AQI level at 460, while NSIT Dwarka had the lowest at 216. Around India Gate, the air was in the ‘very poor’ category at 396.
The Court has also directed the Punjab and Haryana governments to file reports on measures to control stubble burning — a major seasonal cause of the Delhi pollution peaks each winter. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) noted that vehicular emissions are still the main contributors to PM2.5 levels, while stubble burning can add up to 30% of Delhi’s pollution.
