Delhi air quality dips to 'poor' category ahead of Diwali, AQI stands at 262

New Delhi: The air quality of the national capital remained under the  'poor' category, while the AQI stood a 262 on Saturday morning per System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR)-India. A thick layer of smog can be seen in Delhi skies just a couple of days ahead of Diwali. Earlier on Wednesday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) held an emergency meeting to curb the deteriorating air quality in Delhi. In the meeting, the CAQM sub-committee "comprehensively reviewed the air quality scenario in the region and noted that the air quality parameters are likely to dip on October 22 in the region making it to move into the `very poor` category".

CAQM in Delhi-NCR directed the authorities to enforce Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which includes banning the use of diesel generators, coal and firewood in hotels, restaurants and open eateries.

Also Read: Delhi NCR's air quality to turn 'very poor' before Diwali, stage 2 of GRAP enforced

The GRAP, notably, is a set of anti-air pollution measures followed in the capital and its vicinity according to the severity of the situation and is classified under four stages of adverse air quality in Delhi. 

Delhi | Air quality in the national capital deteriorates; visuals from Lodhi Road pic.twitter.com/VfwLqScz6k — ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2022

Stage one in a case of 'poor' air quality (AQI 201-300); stage two for 'very poor' air quality (AQI 301-400); stage three for 'severe' air quality (AQI 401-450); and stage four for 'severe plus' (AQI >450).