Delhi Air Pollution: Air Quality Remains "Severe"; Schools Have Been Shut (image: twitter.com/ashwani_dube)

Air quality in the national capital turned to “severe” category on Friday as thick layer of smog continue to cover the atmosphere. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Air Quality Index (AQI) has crossed 400 at many locations.

Air quality in Mundka, Jahangirpuri, RK Puram, Indira Gandhi International Airport (T3), and Delhi”s Lodhi Road stood at 498, 491, 486, 473, and 438 respectively. Delhi government shut all the primary schools for two days. According to reports, people experiencing respiratory issue, irritation in eyes, coughs and cold are recorded.

As per scientists, the air quality is going to drop further down in the upcoming two weeks, especially in the Delhi-NCR region. Health experts alarms that the pollution levels may increase asthma issues and lung problems in both children and senior citizens. Medical professionals suggests to exercise caution including wearing masks, and not to go out in the open unnecessarily.

Understanding the severity of the situation, Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked the third stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Thursday. The Stage III of the plan is carried out when air quality hits severe, that is, the range of 401-405. It evoked an immediate ban on non-essential construction work in the city and closure of schools. In last week, as part of Stage II, frequency of all public transport vehicles were increased, and focus were given to cleaning and water sprinkling initiatives.

Delhi is one of the worst affected cities in air pollution. In winter, situation in Delhi turns even more intolerable due to stubble burning, bursting of firecrackers, and low wind speeds.