## Delhi’s Air Quality Plunges to ‘Poor’ as Farm Fires and Stubble Burning Surge
The air quality in New Delhi took a turn for the worse on October 15th, reaching a ‘poor’ AQI of 175, according to data from aqi.in. This marked the third consecutive day of ‘poor’ air quality, following readings of 234 and 224 on October 14th and 13th respectively. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) attributed the spike in pollution to the increasing number of farm fires in Punjab, where satellite images revealed over 100 incidents in the past week. On October 14th alone, 68 farm fires were reported in Punjab, along with 29 in Haryana, 25 in Uttar Pradesh, and one in Delhi.
The deteriorating air quality comes just after Dussehra celebrations, marking 19 days since the last instance of ‘poor’ air quality recorded on September 25th. This alarming trend has prompted the Indian government to take swift action.
## Government Implements GRAP Stage 1 to Combat Pollution
To mitigate the worsening air pollution, the Indian government has directed state governments in Delhi-NCR, including Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, to implement Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This plan, aimed at tackling winter-specific air pollution, focuses on dust mitigation at construction sites, proper road cleaning, and effective waste management.
GRAP Stage 1 mandates a series of measures to curb pollution, including:
*
Banning open burning of waste:
This helps reduce the release of harmful pollutants into the air.*
Limiting the use of diesel generators:
These generators release significant amounts of pollutants, contributing to poor air quality.*
Prohibiting coal or firewood use at eateries:
This measure aims to reduce particulate matter released during cooking.*
Stricter checks on polluting vehicles:
Regular vehicle inspections and maintenance are crucial for ensuring compliance with emission standards.*
Improved traffic management and emission controls in industries, power plants, and brick kilns:
These measures aim to reduce industrial emissions.The GRAP is divided into four stages based on air quality severity: Stage 1 (‘Poor’ AQI 201-300), Stage 2 (‘Very Poor’ AQI 301-400), Stage 3 (‘Severe’ AQI 401-450), and Stage 4 (‘Severe Plus’ AQI above 450). An AQI between zero and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 and 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 and 200 ‘moderate’, 201 and 300 ‘poor’, 301 and 400 ‘very poor’, and 401 and 500 ‘severe’.
## Delhi Bans Firecrackers to Reduce Pollution
In a bid to further combat air pollution, the Delhi government has imposed an immediate ban on the production, storage, sale, and use of all kinds of firecrackers in the national capital until January 1st. This decision, announced by Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on X (formerly Twitter), aims to prevent the release of harmful pollutants from firecrackers, which significantly contribute to air pollution during Diwali celebrations.
The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has issued detailed instructions for the effective implementation of the ban, and the Delhi Police is tasked with enforcing it and providing daily action reports to the DPCC.
With the air quality deteriorating and winter approaching, the Delhi government and authorities are taking comprehensive steps to mitigate the impact of air pollution. These measures are crucial to protect public health and ensure cleaner air for the residents of Delhi. The effectiveness of these initiatives will be closely monitored in the coming weeks.