Reportedly Environment minister Gopal Rai announced on thursday that the delhi government will strictly enforce pollution control measures under Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan to tackle the worsening air quality in the city. On thursday morning, Delhi’s air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded in the ‘severe’ category, hitting 428 at 9 am. The city’s AQI was the worst in the nation on Wednesday, dropping into the ‘severe’ category for the first time this season.

Meanwhile Rai attributed the worsening conditions to a combination of calm winds and a drop in temperature. He also said that GRAP III would not be imposed yet as the situation is expected to improve from tomorrow. Citing studies, Rai said contributions from surrounding areas play a significant role in Delhi’s pollution levels, with 30 per cent of the pollution originating from local sources and 34 per cent coming from the national capital region. Rai assured that the delhi government will strictly implement measures under GRAP 2 to prevent the air quality from deteriorating further.

Moreover he also mentioned that the government would review all current action plans and campaigns and enhance enforcement efforts to prevent pollution levels from reaching emergency thresholds.

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