Delhi-NCR Chokes Again: AQI Hits 425 ‘Severe’, Schools Go Hybrid Amid Construction Ban

New Delhi: National Capital Delhi's AQI reached 425 on Tuesday morning with the 'severe' category. Yesterday it was 362 (very poor); today the wind is calm, and the weather is stable—pollutants are stuck to the ground. CAQM implemented GRAP Stage 3, which adds new restrictions on top of Stages 1-2. This is the first big blow of winter pollution; stubble burning, vehicles, and firecrackers all together are making the air poisonous.

Why did AQI fall so fast—what is the role of calm winds and weather?

AQI was 362 on Monday and 425 on Tuesday morning—CAQM said the wind neither stopped nor flowed; the pollutants were trapped. The report says many places in NCR are at 400, like Anand Vihar at 450. Factors? Stubble burning from Punjab-Haryana, vehicle emissions, and local sources. Experts warn that this pattern will repeat in winter—if the states do not improve together, then there is a danger of Stage 4.

What are the new restrictions in Stage 3—from construction bans to vehicles?

Now non-essential construction and demolition stopped across NCR—stone crushers and mining shut down. Strictness on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel 4-wheelers, running ban (disabled exempted) in Delhi-NCR. Business Standard says this is an addition to the already ongoing Stage 1-2 (like industry curves). But is this enough? Reached stage 4 last year.

What is the problem for parents?

Classes 1-5 in schools are hybrid—online or offline; it's the parents' choice. A photo story says this is for the health of children, but there are internet issues in rural areas. Private schools are shifting quickly, but there is a challenge in the government. Will it hit learning?

What is the 'Severe Plus' condition?

GRAP Winter Pollution Shield:

• Stage 1 (AQI 201-300: poor)
• Stage 2 (301-400: very poor)
• Stage 3 (401-450: severe)
• Stage 4 (450: severe plus lockdown-like)

Improvement is the only way to downgrade. But the factors are weather, stubble burning, firecrackers, and local emissions. CAQM said Stage 3 will remain until sustained improvement. Delhi's air is once again becoming poison. It has become difficult for people to even breathe. GRAP applied the brakes, but to solve the problem from its roots, the neighboring states will have to come together.