Delhi Pollution Crisis: Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘severe’ category of the Air Quality Index (AQI) for the second consecutive day on Thursday. By 4 pm, the city’s AQI stood at 424, worse than the reading of 418 recorded on Wednesday, according to data by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The national capital recorded a severe AQI in certain areas – Anand Vihar (473), Dwarka (458), RK Puram (454), Mundka (460), Chandni Chowk (407), at 7 am. Delhi Airport also saw major disturbances as 151 incoming flights were delayed and one was canceled yesterday. Meanwhile, 282 departures faced delays averaging 45 minutes.
CAQM Invokes STAGE III Of The GRAP
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), imposed restrictions under Stage 3 Thursday evening – a day after AQI hit the ‘severe’ category for the first time. As per the agency’s guidelines, action under Stages 2, 3, and 4 of GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) shall be taken into account before the AQI reaches the projected levels for that stage. However, the agency failed to act proactively. Stage III of GRAP for Delhi-NCR is to be effective from 8 am on November 15.
Online Classes For Primary Schools In Delhi
In response to the ongoing air pollution crisis, Delhi CM Atishi announced that all classes for students up to Class V for all primary schools in Delhi-NCR will be shifted to online mode, until further directions by the state government.
Due to rising pollution levels, all primary schools in Delhi will be shifting to online classes, until further directions.
— Atishi (@AtishiAAP) November 14, 2024
Delhi Metro Adds 60 Extra Weekday Trips To Ease Commuting
As part of efforts to ease commuting difficulties, given the implementation of GRAP-III, ’20 extra trips (in addition to 40 already in place since GRAP-II was implemented) will be inducted into services on weekdays starting today. Additionally, 60 extra trips will be performed by Delhi Metro on weekdays till GRAP-III remains in place, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation tweeted.
In view of the implementation of GRAP-III from 8:00 AM tomorrow, 20 extra trips (in addition to 40 already in place since GRAP-II was implemented) will be inducted into services on weekdays starting tomorrow. Thus, 60 extra trips will be preformed by Delhi Metro on weekdays till…
— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) November 14, 2024