New Delhi

Air pollution in the national capital worsened further on Sunday, with Delhi recording its highest Air Quality Index (AQI) of the season at 461, compared to 432 the previous day, placing it firmly in the “severe” category, data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed.

According to CPCB standards, an AQI reading between 0 and 50 is classified as ‘good’, 51–100 as ‘satisfactory’, 101–200 ‘moderate’, 201–300 ‘poor’, 301–400 ‘very poor’, and values above 400 fall under the ‘severe’ bracket.

In response to the sharp spike in pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Saturday implemented the most stringent measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). These include Stage IV restrictions, which impose a complete ban on construction and demolition activities across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). The decision was taken amid deteriorating air quality driven by adverse meteorological conditions.

Earlier the same day, the GRAP Sub-Committee had already rolled out Stage III measures across the NCR as pollution indicators continued to climb steadily.

Weather conditions remained unfavourable for dispersion of pollutants. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Delhi’s minimum temperature on Sunday settled at 8.2 degrees Celsius, slightly below the seasonal average, while the maximum temperature reached 24 degrees Celsius. Relative humidity stood high at 87 per cent by 5.30 pm, further aggravating pollution levels.

Environmental activist Bhavreen Khandari described the current response as largely reactive, arguing that sustained improvement in air quality requires long-term and systemic policy interventions. She pointed to extensive construction activity and highlighted shortages in resources and manpower within government agencies as issues that need urgent attention.

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The IMD has forecast moderate fog conditions for Monday, with temperatures expected to range between a minimum of around 8 degrees Celsius and a maximum of about 23 degrees Celsius.