Delhi under a cloud of smog—GRAP 3 restrictions kick in as AQI crosses 420 mark

Delhi government has come up with various strategies to reduce air pollution, yet the actual condition has not changed significantly. The Delhiites still faces the problem of bad air and a several reporting that they have got eye irritation, headache and breathing problem because of the unhealthy smog that has covered the capital city.

Earlier, the government had implemented GRAP Stage 1 and Stage 2 to control pollution levels, but with the situation worsening, Stage 3 has now been enforced by Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).

On Monday, the AQI in many parts of Delhi was recorded in the ‘Very Poor’ category, and has now slipped further into the ‘Severe’ range.

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AQI Surges from 362 to 450 in 24 Hours

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) surged from 362 on Monday to 450 on Tuesday, pushing the city into the ‘Severe’ category. The CAQM sub-committee cited calm winds, stable atmospheric conditions, and poor ventilation as major factors contributing to the sudden spike in pollution levels.

“Keeping in view the prevailing trend of air quality, the Sub-Committee today has taken the call to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage-III of GRAP — ‘Severe’ Air Quality (Delhi AQI ranging between 401-450) with immediate effect across the NCR,” the CAQM said in an official release, ANI reported.

What GRAP stage 3 means

Under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan, several additional restrictions come into force to prevent further deterioration of air quality.

These include:

• There is a complete prohibition on all types of building and dismantling activities, and only the important constructions like works related to roads, railways, and airports will be allowed to continue.
• There will be a halt in the operations of industries that are making use of unapproved fuels.
• Intensified mechanical road cleaning and water sprinkling to control road dust.

The decision comes on top of measures already implemented under GRAP Stage 1 and Stage 2, which were in effect to tackle worsening air pollution in Delhi-NCR.

Delhi in cloud of smog since Diwali

Since Diwali, Delhi and NCR have experienced consistently poor air quality, with the AQI hovering between ‘Poor’ and ‘Very Poor’ in several areas. Despite earlier enforcement of GRAP Stage 2, pollution levels have continued to worsen due to unfavourable meteorological conditions and increased emissions from construction, traffic, and stubble burning.

Weather forecast

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), temperatures in Delhi-NCR are expected to decline gradually over the next few days.

In Delhi, the maximum temperature is likely to rise from around 27 degree Celsius on November 12 to 25 degrees Celsius by November 17, while the minimum temperature may fall from 11-10 degrees Celsius.

Whereas, in Noida the maximum temperature is likely to decrease from 27 degree Celsius on November 11 to 26 degree Celsius on November 17, while the minimum temperature may fall from 12 degree Celsius to 11 degree Celsius.

It is expected that fog or mist would occur in early morning these days.

Read Also: Delhi AQI worsens: What should Delhiites do? 7 things to keep in mind

Know AQI of your city

Current AQI of Delhi-NCR regions

Delhi

According to CPCB, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'.

Bawana: 466

Mundka: 466

Wazirpur: 463

RK Puram: 459

CRRI Mathura Road: 457

Jahangirpuri: 453

ITO: 451

Ashok Vihar: 451

Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range: 450

Anand Vihar: 447

Burari Crossing: 445

Chandni Chowk:440

Alipur: 436

Pusa: 435

Mandir Marg: 434

Aya Nagar: 432

IGI Airport: 424

Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium: 415

Noida

Sector 125: 427

Sector-116: 425

Sector-1: 414

Ghaziabad

Vasundhara: 441

Loni: 404

Sanjay Nagar: 364

Indirapuram: 342