New Delhi, November 7, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Delhi continued to breathe heavily polluted air on Saturday, with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 365, placing it in the ‘Very Poor’ category, according to the Delhi government’s air quality monitoring data.
Although the reading was lower than Friday evening’s AQI of 382, recorded by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), pollution levels remain dangerously high across the national Capital.
Amid concerns over further deterioration ahead of Diwali, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR on Friday as a precautionary measure.
The decision was taken by the commission’s Sub-Committee on GRAP. The existing Stage III framework provides for a nine-point action plan covering construction and demolition activities, vehicle movement, industrial operations, and measures relating to schools and offices.
The restrictions are intended to curb emissions and prevent air quality from worsening across the National Capital Region.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Sirsa appealed to residents to cooperate with the authorities and follow the prescribed restrictions. He warned that unfavourable weather conditions, particularly a sharp decline in wind speed, could make the pollution situation worse.
“I urge the residents of Delhi to take note: the weather is expected to worsen starting tomorrow, with wind speeds likely to drop to near-zero. I request everyone’s cooperation in adhering to these restrictions; only by working together can we help clean the air in Delhi,” Sirsa said.
Low wind speeds can reduce the dispersion of pollutants, raising concerns that the already poor air quality could deteriorate further in the coming days.
With Stage III GRAP measures in force, authorities are expected to step up pollution-control efforts across Delhi-NCR. Residents have also been urged to comply with the restrictions as the Capital enters the festive period amid persistent air-quality concerns.
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