As air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) worsened, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reintroduced Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) starting Thursday. The move comes as the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached ‘Severe’ levels, raising concerns over public health and the environment.
Air Quality Hits ‘Severe’ Levels
On Tuesday, Delhi’s AQI was recorded at 276, but it surged to 365 by Thursday. The AQI in the national capital deteriorated significantly due to smog and slow wind speeds.
The air quality in surrounding areas of NCR also worsened, with Uttar Pradesh’s Noida recording an AQI of 317, placing it in the ‘Very Poor’ category.
Ghaziabad followed with an AQI of 271 in the ‘Poor’ range, while Haryana’s Faridabad had a ‘Poor’ AQI of 279, and Gurugram saw a ‘Very Poor’ AQI of 310.
Impact Of Delhi Weather Conditions on Pollution
As Delhi experiences a shift in weather from winter to milder temperatures, residents are advised to remain vigilant not only due to the rising pollution levels but also because of the cooler mornings and nights.
Daytime temperatures now range between 20°C and 24°C, while nighttime temperatures remain cooler, between 12°C and 14°C. This fluctuation in temperatures is expected to continue, though the cold spell is gradually fading.
Measures Under GRAP-3 In Delhi To Combat Pollution
With GRAP-3 now in effect, authorities have enforced several restrictions to curb the worsening air quality. They have halted construction and demolition activities and suspended all non-essential mining operations.
Additionally, they will restrict interstate buses running on non-electric, non-CNG, and non-BS-VI diesel from operating.
Authorities have advised schools in Delhi-NCR to close for students up to Class 5 to minimize exposure to harmful air. They will also enforce a ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers starting Thursday.
Furthermore, they will prohibit commercial vehicles from entering Delhi to reduce pollution levels.
Ongoing Monitoring & Future Weather Forecast
The CAQM has assured that it will closely monitor and review actions under Stages I, II, and III of GRAP to prevent further deterioration of air quality.
In positive news, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts mild rain for early February, which will improve air quality and slightly lower temperatures, easing concerns about an early onset of summer. However, until then, Delhi and its neighboring regions will remain under heightened alert as the pollution persists.
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