The deteriorating air quality in Delhi has prompted the reimplementation of restrictions under Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage III, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting ‘severe’ levels at 447, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Gopal Rai, the environment minister, announced the reimplementation of GRAP III during a press conference in response to the severe air quality conditions.
Previously, the AQI had fluctuated between ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ categories in Delhi. However, the sudden plunge to ‘severe’ levels at 400 was attributed to decreased temperatures and reduced wind speed, exacerbating the pollution crisis.
The Centre has taken stringent measures, including banning non-essential construction activities and the usage of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles in Delhi-NCR, acknowledging the escalating pollution levels in the region.
Unfavorable meteorological conditions, such as fog, haze, and low wind speeds, were highlighted as the primary culprits behind the rapid surge in Delhi’s AQI. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), responsible for devising pollution control strategies, emphasized the adverse weather conditions contributing to the worsening pollution.
Under GRAP Stage III, a prohibition has been imposed on non-essential construction work, stone crushing, and mining activities in Delhi-NCR. Additionally, restrictions on the operation of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers have been extended across Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar.
The city experienced a minimum temperature of 9.6 degrees Celsius, slightly above the seasonal average, as indicated by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD forecasts moderate fog during the day, with the maximum temperature expected to reach around 23 degrees Celsius.
The prevailing relative humidity at 8:30 am was recorded at a high of 97 percent, exacerbating the challenge of managing pollution levels amidst the current weather conditions.
As Delhi grapples with the resurgence of ‘severe’ air quality levels, the reintroduction of stringent measures seeks to mitigate the escalating pollution crisis, emphasizing the immediate need for concerted efforts to combat the persistently hazardous air quality in the national capital.
Sources By Agencies
