Delhi's air quality slips into 'very poor' category
What's the story
Delhi's air quality has worsened to the "very poor" category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 328 at 10:00am on Wednesday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Mahesh Palawat, vice-president of Skymet Weather Services, has warned that the situation could worsen further within 24 hours due to easterly winds, according to ANI.
He said these winds could push the city's air quality into the "severe" category.
Pollution impact
AQI readings vary across Delhi, visibility reduced
Delhi's highest AQI reading was recorded at 377 in the Shadipur region, while the lowest was noted at 242 in the DTU area.
Near Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport and Wazirpur, the AQI stood at 300 and 330 respectively.
Dense smog was reported around India Gate early Wednesday morning, significantly reducing visibility.
Pollution severity
'Severe' air quality levels reported at 17 stations
On Tuesday, Delhi's AQI was recorded at 392 at 9:00am a sharp rise from Monday morning's 281.
Seventeen monitoring stations across the city recorded "severe" air quality levels on Tuesday.
An AQI between zero and 50 is "good," 301-400 "very poor," and above 400 "severe."
Pollution measures
Delhi remains under GRAP IV restrictions
Despite improved conditions on Sunday with westerly winds up to 15km/h, Delhi continues to remain under Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) IV restrictions.
Authorities are reviewing these measures as stubble burning and local transport continue to contribute significantly to pollution levels.
Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai has called for strict implementation of GRAP measures and emphasized coordinated efforts among departments for continuous air quality improvements.
Educational impact
Schools directed to conduct 'hybrid' classes
The Directorate of Education has ordered schools in the National Capital Region (NCR) to hold classes in a "hybrid" mode until AQI levels improve consistently.
This comes after the Supreme Court on November 25 ordered a review of measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (Stage 4) which could affect education, as some students may not be able to access online education.