New Delhi: As winter descends upon Delhi, the battle to combat air pollution intensifies. The city continues to grapple with 'Severe' air quality, as indicated by an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 436 at 8 am, reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). However, SAFAR India data at 7 am recorded even more dire conditions with an 'Severe Plus' AQI of 471. In response to this alarming situation, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has called for a high-level meeting, involving Environment Minister Gopal Rai and officials from various concerned departments, to address the issue of escalating pollution.

The fourth and final phase of the Centre's Graded Action Response Plan (GRAP) has been initiated, including restrictions such as a ban on medium and heavy goods vehicles not engaged in essential services from entering the capital. Additionally, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), a statutory body responsible for devising pollution-fighting strategies in the region, has urged Delhi and neighboring states in the National Capital Region (NCR) to enforce a series of emergency measures. The concern regarding deteriorating air quality is also prevalent in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Here are the top developments related to the rising air pollution levels and the measures being taken to address them.

Several areas within Delhi have reported AQI levels worse than the city's average. For instance, Bawana registered an AQI of 478, Jahangirpuri recorded an AQI of 475, and Wazirpur's air quality deteriorated to an AQI of 482, according to CPCB data. In light of the escalating pollution crisis and to enforce GRAP-4 rigorously, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has called a meeting involving all relevant departments, as reported by media.

In Punjab, the situation remains grim with reports of 3,230 farm fires, the highest single-day total this season, contributing to deteriorating air quality. The total number of stubble burning incidents in Punjab this season has reached 17,403, according to data from the Punjab Remote Sensing Centre. In November alone, farm fires constituted 56% of the total stubble burning incidents this season.

Haryana, too, is experiencing poor air quality, with Gurugram reporting an AQI of 358 (very poor category), Ambala at 164 (moderate air quality), Bhiwani at 343 (very poor air quality), and Faridabad entering the 'Severe Plus' category with an AQI of 500. Kaithal also reported 'Very Poor' air quality with an AQI of 360.

With air quality deteriorating, the Gurugram Deputy Commissioner has directed Residents Welfare Associations (RWAs) to implement pollution control measures, including the use of sprinklers. People have been advised to limit outdoor activities to essential tasks and utilize public transport or bicycles. In Uttar Pradesh, Noida reported an AQI of 406 (very poor category) at 7 am, and Greater Noida's AQI was even worse at 449 (very poor category). In Lucknow, Lalbagh recorded 'Very Poor' air quality with an AQI of 342, while Meerut's AQI stood at 376 (very poor air quality).

Efforts to combat pollution are also underway, with Noida authorities deploying water tankers to sprinkle water across the region in a bid to reduce air pollutants. Mumbai is grappling with a 'Poor' AQI of 239 in the Bandra Kurla region, while Borivali East recorded an AQI of 123. The battle against deteriorating air quality continues, with authorities and residents striving to mitigate the effects of pollution in the region.

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