Although the overall air quality index (AQI) of the state of Delhi, remains at 350 (very bad), an AQI above 500 was reported on Sunday in some regions, as per The Week magazine.
An AQI between zero and 50 is considered “good”, 51-100 “satisfactory”, 101-200 “moderate”, 201-300 “poor”, 301-400 “very poor” and over 401 is rated of “serious” or dangerous to health.
According to data from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee and the Central Pollution Control Board, pollution levels have risen since October 23rd.
Given the worsening of the situation, the authorities of the National Capital Region applied the restriction measures provided for in the Gradual Response Action Plan and all construction and demolition in the city were suspended except for essential works.
The operation of brick kilns, hot-mix plants and stone crushers not running on clean fuels, as well as mining and associated activities, was also forbidden.
The next stage would include a ban on trucks entering Delhi, allowing 50 per cent of staff to work from home in public, municipal and private offices, as well as the closure of educational institutions and the circulation of vehicles on a parity basis, among other measures.
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