Delhi pollution prompts Stage II curbs across NCR

Delhi’s air quality entered the very poor category on November 2, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management to activate Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan across the National Capital Region with immediate effect. The Central Pollution Control Board’s daily bulletin put Delhi’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index at 324 on November 2, up from 261 on November 1 and 117 on October 31. An AQI of 301 to 400 is classified as very poor. Hourly readings reported earlier that morning were also above 300: 307 at 7:05 a.m., 310 at 8 a.m. and 312 at 9 a.m. These readings refer to different observation times and reporting measures. The CAQM subcommittee made the Stage II decision after reviewing prevailing air quality and forecasts from the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology. Stage II adds measures to those already in place under Stage I, which had been activated on October 21, when the AQI crossed 200. The measures include more mechanical and vacuum-based road sweeping, water sprinkling to suppress dust, targeted action at pollution hotspots and stepped-up inspections at construction and demolition sites. The plan also...