New Delhi: With air quality in ‘severe’ category, a thick layer of pollutants engulfing national capital

A thick layer of pollutants continued to engulf the national capital as the air quality remained in the ‘severe’ category for the fifth consecutive day today. As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) the overall air quality index level of the national capital stood at 471 at 7:30 am. 

Meanwhile, Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) yesterday decided to invoke Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the entire National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect to prevent further deterioration of air quality.

Under Stage IV of GRAP, only CNG, electric, and BS VI-compliant vehicles from other states are permitted entry, with exemptions for essential services. The Commission also directed Delhi and NCR states to implement restrictions, including a ban on construction work for linear public projects and allowing 50% of government and private office staff to work from home.