Stage 1 pollution curbs imposed across Delhi-NCR

The Commission for Air Quality Management imposed Stage 1 pollution restrictions across Delhi-NCR on October 21 after Delhi’s air quality entered the poor category, citing a rise in the city’s Air Quality Index and forecasts of continued poor conditions. The commission said Delhi’s AQI rose to 244 at 2 p.m. on October 21, from 179, classified as moderate, on October 20. Stage 1 applies when the AQI is between 201 and 300. The commission directed agencies across the National Capital Region to enforce the measures immediately and maintain vigilance. The restrictions prohibit coal and firewood in tandoors at hotels, restaurants and open eateries. Diesel generators are limited to emergency or essential use. Other Stage 1 actions include regular road sweeping, water sprinkling and dust controls at construction sites, as well as inspections of polluting vehicles and measures to manage traffic and emissions from industrial facilities, power plants and brick kilns. Central Pollution Control Board readings showed Delhi’s AQI at 233 at 9 a.m. and 238 at 10 a.m. on October 21. Those readings were taken earlier than the commission’s 2 p.m. figure. Data from 56 of the city’s 59 monitoring...