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The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital deteriorated sharply on Saturday evening, slipping into the "severe" category, with the overall AQI touching 390, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Several areas across Delhi-NCR recorded even worse air quality, with AQI levels crossing the 400 mark. Patparganj registered an AQI of 431, while Shivaji Park recorded 400. Nehru Nagar saw the highest reading at 442, followed by Shadipur at 429. Sirifort reported an AQI of 402, and RK Puram recorded 412, indicating severe pollution levels across the region. Earlier on Saturday morning, Delhi's air quality had worsened, slipping back into the 'Very Poor' category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 300 in many areas. Thick smog and fog trap pollutants, reducing visibility and disrupting daily life. Authorities are monitoring pollution levels and enforcing measures such as the 'No PUC, No Fuel' rule to address the situation. The Commission for Air Quality Management has invoked Stage III measures under the Graded Response Action Plan, including restrictions on construction and industrial activities. A combination of cold weather, calm winds, and dense fog is trapping pollutants, leading to haze and smog. This cycle of poor air quality is expected to persist under current weather patterns, prompting ongoing monitoring and calls for stricter pollution-control measures. 'Very Poor' air quality requires people, especially vulnerable groups (children, elderly, those with respiratory issues), to limit prolonged outdoor exposure and wear masks. Earlier, the Delhi Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, approved a series of significant decisions to strengthen the capital's fight against pollution and improve environmental governance. The Cabinet approved an allocation of Rs. 100 crore for the rejuvenation of water bodies under the Delhi government. There are around 1,000 such water bodies in the national capital, of which 160 fall under the Delhi government's jurisdiction. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated, "The rejuvenation of Delhi's water bodies will play a crucial role in pollution control. The Chief Minister has directed that every possible financial support be extended to complete this work within the year." The Cabinet also approved the establishment of Delhi's first E-Waste Park at Holambi Kalan, spread across 11.5 acres. The facility will adhere to the highest pollution-control standards and operate on a 100 per cent circular, zero-waste model. "This will be India's first state-of-the-art e-waste facility built on zero pollution and zero wastage principles. The plant will fully recycle and reuse water through an advanced recirculation mechanism," Sirsa said. (ANI)
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