New Delhi: The pollution level in the national capital reached the red zone on Saturday, with air quality in several parts of the city crossing the 400-mark, making Delhi one of the most polluted cities in the country. Officials have warned that pollution levels in Delhi and adjoining areas are likely to rise further in the coming days due to an increase in stubble burning across Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) stood at 361, placing it in the ‘severe’ category. CPCB’s SAMEER app showed AQI levels of 420 in Wazirpur, 418 in Burari, 411 in Vivek Vihar, 404 in Alipur, 402 in ITO and 406 in Nehru Nagar.
Neighbouring NCR cities also recorded poor air quality, with Noida registering an AQI of 354, Greater Noida 336 and Ghaziabad 339. Delhi’s AQI was recorded at 322 on Friday, ranking it at the top among India’s most polluted cities.
In response to the deteriorating air quality, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has revised working hours for Delhi government and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) employees from November 15 to February 15. Under the new schedule, Delhi government offices will operate from 10 am to 6.30 pm, while MCD offices will function from 8.30 am to 5 pm.
The government said that the earlier 30-minute gap between the two schedules caused heavy traffic congestion during peak hours, further aggravating air pollution in the city.
