New Delhi: Emergency measures had to be undertaken across Delhi-NCR on Saturday evening after air quality levels approached the ‘severe plus’ category.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) imposed the strictest anti-pollution restrictions under Stage 4 of the Graded Action Response Plan (GRAP), just hours after GRAP 3 curbs came into effect. ADVERTISEMENT

As per official data the Air Quality Index (AQI) dipped from 431 at around 4 pm to 441 by 6 pm, raising concerns that pollution levels could soon breach the ‘severe+’ threshold.

Saturday’s spike was caused by slow wind speeds, a stable atmosphere, unfavourable meteorological conditions and poor dispersion of pollutants, according to CAQM.

In Anand Vihar, the AQI surged to 488 as dense toxic smog enveloped the area, accord

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