Dense smog engulfs Delhi as air quality remains in severe category

Air quality in the national capital continued to remain hazardous on Sunday posing serious health risks to residents The overall Air Quality Index AQI in Delhi touched 391 entering the lsquoseverersquo category with several localities recording AQI levels above 400 according to the Central Pollution Control Board CPCBThick smog combined with fog trapped pollutants near the surface reducing visibility and disrupting daily life as residents woke up to chilly conditionsSeveral areas reported severe pollution levels with Anand Vihar recording an AQI of 445 Patparganj 425 Nehru Nagar 433 Shadipur 445 Mundka 413 and the IGI Airport area 320 indicating widespread deterioration in air qualityAs per CPCB categorisation AQI values between 0ndash50 are considered lsquogoodrsquo 51ndash100 lsquosatisfactoryrsquo 101ndash200 lsquomoderatersquo 201ndash300 lsquopoorrsquo 301ndash400 lsquovery poorrsquo and 401ndash500 lsquoseverersquoMinimum temperature drops to 63 degrees CelsiusThe minimum temperature settled at 63 degrees Celsius 05 notches below the seasons average while the humidity was recorded at 71 per cent at 830 am according to the India Meteorological DepartmentThe maximum temperature is likely to hover around 21 degrees Celsius with the weather department forecasting mainly clear skiesAuthorities said pollution levels are being closely monitored and enforcement measures such as the lsquoNo PUC No Fuelrsquo rule are in place to curb vehicular emissions The Commission for Air Quality Management has also invoked Stage IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan GRAP which include restrictions on construction activities and certain industrial operationsExperts attributed the persistent smog to a combination of cold weather calm winds and dense fog which is preventing the dispersion of pollutants Similar conditions are expected to prevail in the coming days prompting calls for sustained and stricter pollutioncontrol measuresOn Saturday morning Delhirsquos AQI was in the lsquovery poorrsquo category crossing the 300 mark in several areas before worsening further by evening and slipping into the lsquoseverersquo rangeMeanwhile the Delhi Cabinet led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta approved a series of decisions aimed at strengthening the capitalrsquos fight against pollution and improving environmental governance The Cabinet sanctioned an allocation of Rs 100 crore for the rejuvenation of water bodies in the city Of the nearly 1000 water bodies in Delhi around 160 fall under the jurisdiction of the Delhi governmentDelhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the initiative would play a key role in pollution control ldquoThe rejuvenation of Delhirsquos water bodies will significantly contribute to improving environmental quality The Chief Minister has directed that all necessary financial support be provided to complete the work within the yearrdquo he saidThe Cabinet also approved the establishment of Delhirsquos first ewaste park at Holambi Kalan spread over 115 acres The facility will operate on a 100 per cent circular zerowaste model while adhering to the highest pollutioncontrol standardsWith inputs from Agencies