Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 19: With Delhi’s air quality dipping into the ‘poor’ category ahead of Diwali, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Sunday invoked Stage-II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-2) for the national capital and adjoining NCR areas.

Officials said the decision came after the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed the 300-mark on Sunday evening, indicating a steady deterioration. “The AQI of Delhi has shown an increasing trend since morning and was recorded as 296 at 4 pm and 302 at 7 pm. Forecasts by IMD and IITM indicate further worsening in the coming days,” the CAQM noted.

Under GRAP-2, restrictions have been placed on the use of coal and firewood in eateries and tandoors, as well as the operation of diesel generator sets

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