Delhi Air Quality Deteriorates to ‘Severe’ Category, GRAP-IV Restrictions Imposed
Delhi’s air quality has plunged back into the ‘severe’ category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) surpassing the 400 mark across various parts of the city. After a brief period of marginal improvement, pollution levels surged again due to unfavorable weather conditions, prompting authorities to reinstate the strictest measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-IV).
Data from 37 air quality monitoring stations revealed that 26 stations recorded AQI levels above 400. Jahangirpuri emerged as the most polluted area with an AQI of 466, closely followed by Anand Vihar and Bawana, both at 465. Other significantly affected locations include Rohini (462), Lajpat Nagar (461), Ashok Vihar (456), and Punjabi Bagh (452). The uptick in pollution is attributed to a combination of low wind speeds and falling temperatures, with the mercury dipping below 5 degrees Celsius in recent days.
Prior to the escalation, Delhi had been experiencing air quality in the ‘very poor’ range, with the AQI recorded at 306 on Monday. This was a jump from the ‘poor’ range observed on December 14. However, the deterioration has now led to the implementation of more stringent pollution control measures under GRAP-IV, decided in an emergency meeting convened by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
GRAP-IV enforces a ban on the entry of non-essential trucks into Delhi, allowing only LNG, CNG, electric, or BS-VI-compliant diesel vehicles. Diesel-operated goods vehicles and commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi, particularly those below BS-VI standards, are restricted from entering. Schools and colleges have been instructed to shift to online classes to reduce public exposure to harmful air.
Construction and demolition activities have also been completely halted, including public infrastructure projects such as roads, highways, and bridges. Additional measures, such as odd-even vehicle restrictions and the closure of non-essential commercial activities, are under consideration if pollution levels persist. The CAQM has also advised staggered office timings for government establishments in the Delhi-NCR region to limit vehicular emissions during peak hours.
Meteorologists forecast continued unfavorable conditions in the coming days, with stagnant winds and high humidity likely to trap pollutants closer to the surface. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts moderate to dense fog or smog, which may exacerbate the already severe air quality.
The Supreme Court, acknowledging the broader implications of air pollution, has urged the government to develop a comprehensive mechanism for addressing pollution across other states. The court emphasized that pollution is a nationwide issue requiring uniform strategies similar to Delhi’s GRAP system.
The GRAP framework is activated in stages depending on the AQI levels. The first stage applies when AQI readings range from 201 to 300, categorized as ‘poor,’ while Stage-II is triggered for ‘very poor’ air quality with AQI readings of 301 to 400. Stage-III applies to AQI levels between 401 and 450, classified as ‘severe,’ and Stage-IV is enforced when AQI breaches the 450 mark, as seen recently in Delhi.
Earlier, Stage-III measures under GRAP were introduced on December 12 to combat rising pollution levels. However, a significant spike in AQI readings led to the swift escalation to Stage-IV, imposing stricter curbs aimed at controlling emissions.
The resurgence of severe pollution highlights the persistent challenge of combating air quality issues in Delhi, especially during the winter months when climatic conditions hinder the dispersion of pollutants. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging citizens to limit outdoor activities and adopt measures to reduce their carbon footprint.
Efforts to curb pollution extend beyond immediate measures, with mist sprayers being installed on electric poles to improve air quality in localized areas. As the region battles worsening pollution, authorities remain focused on implementing both short-term and long-term solutions to ensure sustainable improvements in air quality.