Delhi and the National Capital Region continued to grapple with unhealthy air on Thursday, October 23, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) staying in the ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ range despite measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage II.
As of 6 am, the overall AQI for the city stood at 362, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Several areas recorded alarmingly high levels: RK Puram at 362, Patparganj at 361, India Gate at 353, AIIMS at 342, and Akshardham at 350. Anand Vihar registered the highest reading in the city at 428, falling in the ‘severe’ category.
The persistent smog has reduced visibility across major hubs, prompting authorities to advise residents to restrict outdoor activity to essential tasks only.
The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has invoked the 12-point GRAP Stage II plan to curb further deterioration, following a review of current meteorological conditions and air quality forecasts.
These measures include restrictions on construction, vehicle activity, and industrial emissions across the region.
Health experts have warned that vulnerable groups—children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues—are most at risk. Dr. Nikhil Modi, a respiratory medicine specialist at Apollo Hospitals, explained to ANI the seasonal factors driving the spike: “As winter approaches, cooler air and lower wind speeds cause pollution to accumulate near the ground. After Diwali, this accumulation is amplified, triggering symptoms like difficulty in breathing, coughing, and watery eyes.”
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa noted that despite a 21% rise in construction and 8% more new vehicle registrations, pollution levels remain relatively stable.
Post-Diwali AQI has improved compared with previous years: 462 in 2020, 360 in 2024, and 351 in 2025, reflecting the impact of stricter regulations and awareness campaigns.
As of 6 am, the overall AQI for the city stood at 362, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Several areas recorded alarmingly high levels: RK Puram at 362, Patparganj at 361, India Gate at 353, AIIMS at 342, and Akshardham at 350. Anand Vihar registered the highest reading in the city at 428, falling in the ‘severe’ category.
The persistent smog has reduced visibility across major hubs, prompting authorities to advise residents to restrict outdoor activity to essential tasks only.
The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has invoked the 12-point GRAP Stage II plan to curb further deterioration, following a review of current meteorological conditions and air quality forecasts.
These measures include restrictions on construction, vehicle activity, and industrial emissions across the region.
Health experts have warned that vulnerable groups—children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues—are most at risk. Dr. Nikhil Modi, a respiratory medicine specialist at Apollo Hospitals, explained to ANI the seasonal factors driving the spike: “As winter approaches, cooler air and lower wind speeds cause pollution to accumulate near the ground. After Diwali, this accumulation is amplified, triggering symptoms like difficulty in breathing, coughing, and watery eyes.”
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa noted that despite a 21% rise in construction and 8% more new vehicle registrations, pollution levels remain relatively stable.
Post-Diwali AQI has improved compared with previous years: 462 in 2020, 360 in 2024, and 351 in 2025, reflecting the impact of stricter regulations and awareness campaigns.
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