Delhi-NCR remains under smog blanket, AQI in 'severe' category
The national capital remained under a blanket of toxic smog, with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) classifying Delhi's air quality in the "severe" category on Thursday morning. While the average air quality index (AQI) was recorded at over 450 in some locations in Delhi, some of the worst affected areas are Dwarka (459), RK Puram (453), Moti Bagh (452), and Punjabi Bagh (444).
Why does this story matter?
Every winter, a combination of factory emissions, vehicle emissions, and smoke from stubble burning increases the air pollution levels significantly in Delhi. Amid the city's increasing AQI, the Delhi government implemented anti-pollution measures under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect. Notably, Delhi has been dealing with severe air pollution problem for more than two weeks now.
Delhi bans entry of app-based cabs registered in other states
In another effort to improve air quality, the Arvind Kejriwal administration banned app-based taxis registered in other states from entering the capital on Wednesday. According to the Delhi government, only cabs with Delhi registration number plates can operate within the city. The development comes after the Supreme Court (SC) stated that there were too many taxis registered in other states on Delhi roads transporting only one passenger.
Delhi to use 'artificial rainfall' to tackle pollution crisis
Meanwhile, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai held talks with a team from IIT Kanpur to go over the possibilities of artificial rainfall through cloud seeding to lower the air pollution level in the national capital. After the meeting, the Delhi minister announced that artificial rain could be used on November 20-21 in Delhi if the weather is cloudy.
Smoggy visuals from Delhi on Thursday morning
Early winter break for schools in Delhi
The Aam Aadmi Party-led government has also decided to reschedule the winter break for schools in the national capital amid the deteriorating air quality. It will now start from November 9 onward and end on November 18. Usually, the winter break is scheduled between December and January. Earlier on Monday, the Delhi government directed all schools to suspend physical classes until Friday, except for Classes 10 and 12.
