'Severe Plus' Air Forces GRAP Stage-IV in Delhi-NCR; Respiratory Cases Soar

• GRAP Stage-IV restrictions immediately implemented across Delhi-NCR due to 'Severe Plus' air quality, with AQI exceeding 450.
• Thick toxic haze observed in areas like India Gate and Kartavya Path; Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 488.
• Hospitals report a 20-30% increase in patients with respiratory illnesses, including new cases among those without prior issues.
• Doctors note a 15-20% rise in cold, cough, breathlessness, and chest congestion cases, requiring prolonged treatment.
• Moderate fog is predicted, which could trap pollutants and further worsen the air quality in the region.

Why It Matters: Extreme air pollution in Delhi-NCR forces GRAP Stage-IV, threatening public health.