Wed Nov 20 04:39:28 UTC 2024: ## Delhi Chokes Under Severe Air Pollution, AQI Reaches 426

**New Delhi, November 20, 2024** – Delhi woke up to another day shrouded in toxic air on Wednesday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting a severe 426. This follows the city’s coldest night of the season so far, with temperatures plummeting to 11.1° Celsius. Dense fog, reducing visibility to 500 meters, further exacerbated the situation. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts the fog to persist throughout the day.

The city has experienced ‘severe plus’ AQI levels for the past two days. Humidity levels reached 84% this morning, and the maximum temperature is predicted to be 25° Celsius. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an AQI of 426 at 9 a.m.

In response to the crisis, the Delhi government announced that 50% of its staff will work from home, a measure to be discussed further with officials later today. This follows earlier announcements of staggered office timings for government offices and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

Delhi Police conducted vehicle checks overnight to enforce Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which includes a ban on Delhi-registered BS-IV and older diesel-operated medium and heavy goods vehicles, except for essential services. Environment Minister Gopal Rai stated that BS-III petrol four-wheelers and BS-IV diesel vehicles are also banned, along with all trucks and diesel buses entering Delhi from outside the city. Stage IV of GRAP has been active since November 18th.

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