Delhi-NCR air reaches very severe category: AQI at 400-500 in many areas, construction work banned

The air in Delhi-NCR is turning toxic. The air quality index was in the 400-500 range i.e. very severe category in many areas of the capital till 1 pm on Saturday. This is the highest level since January. At 11 a.m., PM 2.5 concentrations in many areas were recorded above 400 micrograms per cubic metre, which is almost 7 times the safe limit of 60 micrograms per cubic metre. Due to this, construction activities in the capital have been banned with immediate effect. This order will not apply to projects involving defence, railways and metro. According to the Air Quality Management Commission, the movement of four wheelers with BS III petrol and BS IV diesel may also be banned in NCR if the air quality does not improve. According to experts, there is very little chance of improvement in the air quality for a few days. Aam Aadmi Party workers on Saturday protested in front of the Lieutenant Governor’s office over the deteriorating air quality in Delhi. They say that the Lt Governor deliberately did not approve the ‘Red Light On, Car Off’ campaign aimed at reducing pollution.