Online Desk
A dense smog blanketed Delhi with AQI hitting 428, severely reducing visibility and making commuting hazardous. Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced strict enforcement of Stage 2 measures under the Graded Response Action Plan.
Residents report breathing difficulties, eye irritation, and constant coughing, with concerns over lung damage as outdoor activities like running become impossible.
Despite the severe pollution, the government indicated that GRAP Stage 3 would not be imposed yet, as the situation is expected to improve by Friday.
AQI at Anand Vihar was recorded as 470, 469 at Ashok Vihar, 417 at ITO and 451 at Rohini. Low visibility procedures were put in place at the Delhi airport for flight operations on Thursday due to unfavourable weather.
Even as Delhi tightens pollution controls, the Central government has granted exemptions to certain low-pollution industries from select regulations under Section 21 of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
Minister Rai noted that pollution in Delhi stems from both local and regional sources: around 30% from within the city and 34% from the National Capital Region (NCR).