Delhi's Air Quality Plunges to 'Severe' as AQI Nears 400-mark Despite Government Measures

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Delhi woke up to a thick blanket of fog and chilly temperatures on Saturday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching a 'very poor' 398, just shy of the 400-mark. This comes after four days of temporary relief from 'severe' pollution levels. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), PM 2.5 remains the principal pollutant, indicating a significant drop in air quality. Temperatures soared to 22.2 degrees Celsius, while lows are expected to dip to 6.1 degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for dense fog across the city, with shallow to moderate fog expected during nighttime and early morning hours. A yellow alert is also in effect for Sunday and Monday. The hazardous spike in AQI comes just a week after Delhi's air quality reached as high as 461, prompting the government to implement GRAP 4. The Delhi government has taken measures to curb pollution, including restricting vehicles without a pollution under control (PUC) certificate and prohibiting BS-VI category vehicles registered outside Delhi from entering the city. Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport has seen numerous flight cancellations due to intense foggy conditions, with over 120 flights cancelled across multiple airlines. The airport has issued an advisory urging passengers to check their travel schedules before heading to the airport. As Delhi struggles with severe air quality, the government must reassess its measures to tackle pollution and ensure the safety of its residents.