Fri Nov 15 19:08:52 UTC 2024: ## Delhi Chokes Under Severe Air Pollution: Schools Closed, Strict Measures Imposed
**New Delhi, November 15, 2024** – Delhi is battling a severe air pollution crisis, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to implement stringent anti-pollution measures under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This comes as Delhi’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a “severe” 424, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), making it the most polluted major city globally, according to IQAir.
The CAQM’s actions include the closure of schools for children up to Class 5, following two consecutive days of severe air quality. Essential services like healthcare, transportation, and defense projects are permitted to continue, but under strict dust and waste management protocols.
The GRAP, a tiered response system based on AQI levels, has triggered Stage III restrictions due to the dangerously high pollution levels. This stage necessitates the implementation of the most restrictive measures to combat the crisis. While efforts such as water spraying are underway, the situation remains critical.
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