Delhi air back to 'very poor' as AQI hits 319; hybrid classes for young pupils

Delhi's brief improvement in air quality ended on Thursday (November 12): data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) put the capital's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) at 319 at 6 a.m., back in the 'very poor' category. Schools across the National Capital Region moved pupils up to Class V to hybrid learning.

Several stations above 380; one hits 'severe'

Several monitoring stations recorded far worse readings than the city average: IIT Delhi hit 413, in the 'severe' band, while Pusa and NSIT Dwarka each recorded 388 and Chandni Chowk 387. Elsewhere in the National Capital Region, Gurugram recorded 300, Noida 284, Ghaziabad 280 and Faridabad 270.

Smog stubborn since Diwali; no rain in sight

Delhi's average AQI reached 376 on Diwali day (November 8), then read 344 on November 9, 299 on November 10 and 313 on November 11 — a brief dip below 300 that did not last. The India Meteorological Department has forecast no rainfall in Delhi between November 10 and 15, with maximum temperatures of 27–30°C and minimums of 14–17°C, offering little prospect of quick relief.

Hybrid classes and construction halt under GRAP-III

Under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-III), schools in Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad will conduct Classes up to V in hybrid mode, and all government and private construction and demolition work in Ghaziabad is suspended until November 20. GRAP-III also bars BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi and specified NCR districts. (Sources: IANS, Central Pollution Control Board)