Delhi AQI & Air Pollution Live Updates: SC Enforces GRAP Stage 4 Across NCR States; Restrictions to Remain Even if AQI Falls Below 400

Delhi Air Pollution AQI Live Updates: Several flights have been diverted to different cities due to adverse weather and smog conditions while several trains have been delayed.

Delhi Pollution Live Updates: National Capital Delhi has been engulfed in thick layers of smog which reduced the visibility to only a few meters. Several flights and train operations have been hit due to the smog. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has touched 500 in several areas and hitting 1,500 at one particular location. Eleven flights scheduled to land at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi were diverted to other cities on Monday due to adverse weather and smog, which severely reduced visibility. These diversions were carried out under the "Captain Minima" operating procedures, which specify the minimum standards pilots must meet to land safely. If weather conditions make it impossible to meet these standards, flights are rerouted.

The air quality in the national capital plummeted to 'severe plus' levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 490 at 1 PM, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). CPCB data highlighted alarming AQI readings across Delhi, with Dwarka Sector 8 recording 500, Ashok Vihar at 497, Mundka, Patparganj, and Anand Vihar at 495 each, Sonia Vihar at 491, RK Puram at 483, Chandni Chowk at 466, and ITO at 447 as of 12 PM.

In response to the deteriorating air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR starting today. The decision followed a sharp rise in Delhi's daily average AQI to 441 by 4 PM on Sunday, which further escalated to 457 by 7 PM, triggering an emergency meeting of the GRAP Sub-Committee.

Stage IV measures include an 8-point action plan to address the pollution crisis. Key steps involve banning the entry of trucks into Delhi, except those carrying essential goods or services. However, trucks powered by LNG, CNG, or electric engines, along with BS-VI diesel trucks, will still be allowed. Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) registered outside Delhi will also face entry restrictions unless powered by electric, CNG, or BS-VI diesel engines. Additionally, medium and heavy goods vehicles operating on BS-IV or older diesel engines, registered in Delhi, will be prohibited, except for those involved in essential services.

Stay Tuned For Live Updates

18 November 2024

18:36 IST

Delhi-NCR Air Pollutions Live Updates: Schools Shut In Gurugram

"As per the directive from the Director General, Elementary Education Haryana, physical classes up to 5th grade will be suspended in Gurugram from 19.11.2024 due to the deteriorating Air Quality Index (AQI) conditions. AQI has moved from "Very Poor" to "Severe" in some areas," said the DC, Gurugram.

16:23 IST

Delhi AQI Live: Gopal Rai urges Centre to implement emergency measures

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai convened a meeting on Monday with department heads to ensure the effective enforcement of GRAP-IV measures in the city.

15:59 IST

Delhi Pollution Live: "Why did we wait for the air quality index to cross 300?" asks SC

The Supreme Court criticized the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for delaying the implementation of GRAP measures amid worsening pollution levels, opting instead to wait for weather conditions to improve. The court emphasized the need for immediate action, stating, "A sense of urgency is required."

15:35 IST

Delhi AQI Live Updates: Schools turn to online classes 

With rising pollution levels in Delhi over recent weeks, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR from Monday, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) plunged into the 'severe plus' category. In response, the Delhi government has mandated online classes for all students except those in classes 10 and 12. Schools have been instructed to conduct online sessions for affected students, while physical classes for classes 10 and 12 will continue as scheduled.

15:24 IST

Delhi Pollution Live: 11 flights delayed due to bad weather

Eleven flights were diverted, and several others delayed at Delhi airport on Monday morning due to poor visibility caused by adverse weather and pollution, officials reported. Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) announced that low-visibility procedures are in effect, urging passengers to stay updated with their airlines. SpiceJet and IndiGo also cautioned travelers about possible delays, attributing them to reduced visibility and traffic disruptions. Delhi airport handles approximately 1,400 flight movements daily.

15:14 IST

Delhi AQI Live: Meeting Called For Implementation Of GRAP IV Rescheduled

Amid worsening air quality in the national capital, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said that the meeting of senior officers of departments concerned at 12 noon for implementation of GRAP IV was rescheduled for later on Monday. He alleged that the HoDs were negligent and no senior official arrived at the meeting.