Toxic smog pushes Delhi AQI to cross the 420 mark; SC flags monitoring flaws, GRAP-III in force — Key highlights inside

Delhi-NCR remained blanketed in a thick layer of smog on Wednesday with air quality dipping once again into the ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ categories, showing severe pollution levels and posing serious health risks.

According to the data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), here are some areas along with their AQI levels:

Delhi

Add Zee Business as a Preferred Source

• Wazirpur: 453 (severe)
• Chandni Chowk: 452 (severe)
• Jahangirpuri: 445 (severe)
• Ashok Vihar: 425 (severe)
• Mundka: 408 (severe)
• Dr. Karin Singh Shooting Range: 397 (leaning towards severe category)
• CRRI Mathura Road: 390 (very poor)
• Alipur: 387 (very poor)
• Anand Vihar: 387 (very poor)
• ITO: 387 (very poor)
• Burari Crossing: 380 (very poor)
• Aya Nagar: 374 (very poor)
• Pusa: 373 (very poor)
• Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium: 358 (very poor)
• RK Puram: 353 (very poor)
• IHBAS, Dilshad Garden: 315

Noida

• Sector-116: 448 (severe)
• Sector-1: 422 (severe)
• Sector-125: 438 (severe)
• Sector-62: 362 (very poor)

Ghaziabad

• Loni: 449 (severe)
• Sanjay Nagar: 449 (severe)
• Indirapuram: 416 (severe)
• Vasundhara: 420 (severe)

Supreme Court questions AQI monitoring accuracy

Amid the worsening air quality, the Supreme Court on Monday asked the Delhi government to file an affidavit explaining the nature and efficiency of the AQI monitoring equipment used in the national capital, ANI reported.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justices Vinod Chandran and NV Anjaria directed the government (GNCTD) to submit the details by the next hearing.

Senior advocate and amicus curiae Aparajita Singh informed the bench that water sprinkling was reportedly done around AQI monitoring stations, allegedly to artificially bring down pollution readings. She submitted related media reports to the court.

Centre responds, blames political videos

Appearing for the Central government, ASG Aishwarya Bhati said water sprinkling was happening across the city, adding that political parties were circulating such videos to target authorities.

The amicus also flagged that incidents of stubble burning were being undercounted, recommending that farmers be provided with equipment to manage crop residue. The Supreme Court asked the Centre to work on a long-term solution for Delhi’s persistent air pollution crisis.

Punjab, Haryana told to enforce anti-stubble measures

The court directed the Chief Secretaries of Punjab and Haryana to ensure strict implementation of the anti-stubble burning guidelines issued by the CAQM in its November 13 report.

Court rejects plea to halt all construction

The petitioner was represented by senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, who stated that the deteriorating air condition in the Delhi area justified a total ban on construction activities in the city.

The court, nevertheless, took a different view claiming that the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) already sets limits using scientific evaluation.

The court noted:

“We do not possess the expertise to impose additional restrictions. A large chunk of the population depends on various activities for their livelihood.”

Read Also: Delhi AQI News: Is GRAP-4 imposed in national capital? Here's what CAQM says

Next hearing on November 19

The matter will now be heard again on November 19, with the court expecting detailed responses on AQI monitoring practices and compliance with anti-pollution measures.