Delhi Air Pollution: Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Monday warned private offices of strict action if they are not adhering to Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4) anti pollution curbs in the national capital amid the very poor Air Quality Index (AQI). To combat the city's deteriorating air quality, the government had announced on December 18 that all offices and business establishments must operate at 50 per cent physical attendance. The remaining workforce will work from home.

Earlier in December, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had activated all measures under GRAP-4 across Delhi-NCR in view of the deteriorating air quality.

“We are going to initiate an action against the private offices that are not adhering to the norms under the GRAP-4," Manjinder Singh Sirsa said while addressing a press conference.

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“The western disturbances have caused a disruption in cold conditions in Delhi," he said.

“We can expect a better AQI level from tomorrow onwards," the minister added, hoping for air quality to improve in the coming days.

The minister also informed of an enforcement drive underway across Delhi. He said, “An extensive drive in Delhi is ongoing for sealing of polluting hubs or factories."

“No issuance of certificate or notice for the sealing of those hubs, they will directly be sealed," Sirsa added.

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Delhi AQI

While residents of Delhi continue to struggle with persistent 'very poor' air quality, the CPCB AQI data on Monday showed a slight improvement from Sunday. Delhi’s air quality has improved by 21 points from 387 at 8 am on December 21 to 366 at 8 am on Monday, December 22.

However, the city continues to remain under the ‘very poor’ category for an AQI above 300. A large part of the city was enveloped in a thick layer of toxic smog, severely affecting visibility and creating health issues such as a sore throat, blocked nose, and others.