In an attempt to keep rising air pollution under control, authorities in Delhi have issued fresh restrictions on construction work and demolition activities.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the Centre's air quality panel, has directed authorities in Delhi-NCR to ban all non-essential construction work in the region under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
Delhi's 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) stood at 407 at 4 pm today.
An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.
The pollution level in Delhi had entered the 'severe' category after November 4, when the AQI was 447, following which, the CAQM had directed the authorities to impose a ban on all construction and demolition activities in Delhi-NCR, except in essential projects.
Later, on November 14, the CAQM directed authorities to revoke the curbs enforced in Delhi-NCR under Stage III of GRAP, including a ban on non-essential construction activities.
However, in view of worsening air quality over the last few days, this ban has now been reintroduced.
Delhi AQI Severe For Second Time In Three Days, Centre Delays Stricter Curbs Will Ban Construction Work In Areas With Severe Air Quality For 5 Days In Row: Delhi Environment Minister Stage 3 Pollution-Control Curbs Lifted In Delhi As Air Quality Improves Is Safe Car Enough? Volvo Crash That Killed CEO, Family Sparks Big Question Pics: Rahul Gandhi's Family Lunch At Iconic Delhi Restaurant "Nothing Short Of Nightmare": Woman Misses Life Event, Slams Air India Public Sector Hydropower Company Hiring For 118 Posts, Check Details Delhi's Air Quality Turns 'Severe' Despite GRAP-4 Restrictions PM Modi Meets Yoga Practitioner, Other Influencers In Kuwait Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.