NEW DELHI: Dense smog and fog continued to blanket Delhi on Friday, keeping the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the ‘Severe’ category, which poses health risks to residents and challenges for drivers.
In response, the central pollution authority has implemented Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which includes a ban on construction activities and restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles in Delhi and the NCR, effective from 8am on Friday.
To protect children from the extreme pollution, the Delhi government has suspended in-person classes for primary schools, allowing only online sessions until further notice.
According to IITM’s air quality warning, AQI levels are predicted to remain in the ‘very poor’ range through November 17, with this pattern expected to persist for at least six additional days.
In anticipation of continued poor air quality, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has advised airlines to ensure their aircraft and pilots are trained for CAT II/III low-visibility landings, particularly for operations at Delhi, Lucknow, Jaipur, and Amritsar airports.
(With agency inputs)