Delhi-NCR Faces Severe Air Quality Crisis: Stage III Measures Activated
Severe Air Quality Alert in Delhi-NCR
New Delhi: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has declared Stage III actions due to a significant drop in air quality across Delhi-NCR, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 354, as reported by officials.
The Sub-Committee overseeing the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has mandated immediate implementation of all Stage-III measures, which classify air quality as 'Severe' (AQI 401-450), alongside existing Stage I and II actions.
Among the stringent measures, the government has prohibited the entry of BS-IV diesel light commercial vehicles (LCVs) from outside Delhi, except for those transporting essential goods or services.
Following a review of the air quality situation and forecasts from the IMD/IITM, the panel noted that the AQI has been on the rise, recorded at 354 on January 16, 2026. Predictions indicate a potential further decline into the 'severe' category due to unfavorable weather conditions and variable wind speeds.
All agencies involved in the NCR are tasked with enforcing, monitoring, and reviewing the actions under the revised GRAP to prevent further deterioration of air quality, as stated by R.K. Agarwal, the Member Convenor of the Sub-Committee.
On Wednesday, the CAQM conducted a nighttime inspection in North Delhi as part of 'Operation Clean Air' to evaluate compliance regarding the prevention of municipal solid waste (MSW) and biomass burning, as well as to pinpoint local pollution sources.
Inspection teams focused on areas such as Jahangir Puri, Shalimar Bagh, and Wazirpur, compiling findings into a comprehensive report supported by geo-tagged and time-stamped photographs.
The report documented 65 incidents of pollution across the three regions: 20 in Jahangir Puri, 17 in Shalimar Bagh, and 28 in Wazirpur. This included 47 cases of biomass/MSW burning and 18 instances of MSW dumping.
Biomass burning was frequently observed near roads, tea stalls, and open spaces, primarily for heating during the night. MSW dumping was prevalent in roadside areas, markets, and industrial zones.
These findings underscore the urgent need for increased vigilance during evening and nighttime hours, especially in densely populated and industrial areas. Localized issues like waste dumping and burning remain major contributors to air pollution this winter, necessitating ongoing preventive and enforcement actions.