Delhi continues to be wrapped in a blanket of smog, with the air quality in the “severe” category for the third consecutive day. With AQI 498, Delhi is the world's second most polluted city, after Pakistan's Lahore with AQI 770 recorded at 7 am. IQAir, a Swiss company, ranks major cities based on Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5) data.
The top five polluted areas in Delhi this morning are Jahangirpuri (with AQI 458), Bawana (455), Wazirpur (455), Rohini (452), and Punjabi Bagh (443), according to Central Pollution Control Board's Sameer App.
Delhi's Palam and Safdurjung reported 500m and 400m visibilities respectively.
Low visibility due to smog has affected flight and rail operations across India. Several IndiGo flights to and from Amritsar are affected. Many SpiceJet flights to and from Delhi and Darbanga are running late.
Various trains are running late by over two hours. More than 25 trains arriving at New Delhi railway station are also delayed.
With no respite in sight, all primary schools in Delhi have been moved online, Chief Minister Atishi announced in a post on X. She said the online classes for primary school children will continue "until further directions".
Due to rising pollution levels, all primary schools in Delhi will be shifting to online classes, until further directions.
— Atishi (@AtishiAAP) November 14, 2024
On Thursday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) enforced stage 3 of the Graded Action Response Plan (GRAP). Under GRAP 3, the following restrictions and measures have been imposed:
READ | GRAP 3 In Delhi Explained: What Is Banned, What Is Allowed
“We have been witnessing several gastrointestinal and metabolic conditions due to air pollution,” Dr. Sukrit Singh Sethi, Consultant - Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Liver Transplantation, Narayana Hospital, Gurugram told news agency IANS.
“The harmful particles and gases in polluted air, when inhaled, can lead to systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, which disturb gut health and impact the microbiome -- the collection of trillions of bacteria in our intestines that play a critical role in digestion, immunity, and overall health,” Dr Sethi said.
The health experts recommend limiting outdoor activities during peak pollution times, typically in the early morning and evening; and using masks, especially in highly polluted environments.
READ | Construction Halted, Buses Restricted: Stricter Anti-Pollution Measures In Delhi
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Addressing a gathering ahead of the Delhi assembly polls, Arvind Kejriwal reminded people of his promises and said the AAP government is working towards their completion.
Anti-pollution curbs under Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) were revoked in Delhi and its neighbouring areas today amid a dip in air pollution levels.
The authorities have removed curbs due to pollution in Delhi and nearby cities, after light rain improved air quality in the region.
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