Delhi's Air Turns 'Very Poor' at AQI 324; GRAP-2 Imposed Across NCR

Delhi woke up to a thick haze this week as its air quality slipped into the "very poor" category for the first time this season. The sharp deterioration pushed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to activate Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan across Delhi-NCR. With Diwali approaching and pollution still climbing, residents face tighter rules and slower commutes.

AQI Climbs to 324 in Just Two Days

The CAQM said Delhi's AQI rose from 117 on October 31 to 261 on November 1, then 324 on November 2, and blamed unfavourable weather. (Business Standard) The index had already entered the "very poor" band at 312 at 9 am before reaching 324 by 4 pm. (Free Press Journal)

The trend has not eased. AQI rose to 331 on November 3, with eight stations recording severe pollution. The spike follows a brief respite brought by rain the previous week. (IBTimes)

GRAP-2 Curbs and Traffic Snarls at the Borders

GRAP Stage 2 applies when AQI enters the "very poor" range of 301 to 400. (India.com) The new measures bring tighter rules on non-BS-VI vehicles and diesel generators, along with higher parking charges. (Business Today)

Enforcement is already visible on the roads. Checks for BS-VI compliance at Delhi's borders have caused massive traffic snarls. (Business Standard) Traffic police issued 127 challans and impounded 62 vehicles, with fines of Rs 2 lakh. (India.com)

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