Delhi is grappling with a severe air pollution crisis, with the air quality index (AQI) plunging to ‘very poor’ levels on October 23, 2024. According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR)-India, the overall AQI for the national capital was recorded at 349, signaling a worrisome deterioration in air quality.
The situation is particularly alarming in areas like Anand Vihar and Jahangirpuri, where a thick layer of smog has descended, pushing the AQI to ‘severe’ levels. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an AQI of 402 and 417 for Anand Vihar and Jahangirpuri respectively.
Across Delhi, several locations are experiencing ‘very poor’ air quality, with AQI readings exceeding 300. Alipur (372), Ashok Vihar (359), Bawana (391), Dwarka-Sector 8 (367), NSIT Dwarka (379), Najafgarh (342), Narela (357), Nehru Nagar (365), Okhla Phase 2 (346), Patparganj (373), Punjabi Bagh (365), Pusa (305), RK Puram (352), Rohini (388), Shadipur (322), Sirifort (334), Sri Aurobindo Marg (322), Vivek Vihar (399), and Wazirpur (387) are among the areas recording alarmingly high AQI levels.
While some areas are grappling with ‘very poor’ air, Chandni Chowk (274), Dilshad Garden (276), and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (297) are recording ‘poor’ air quality.
The worsening air quality situation in Delhi has led to the implementation of the second stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP Stage II), a comprehensive plan designed to curb pollution. The enforcement of GRAP Stage II was triggered after Delhi recorded a ‘very poor’ AQI of 310 on October 21, 2024.
GRAP Stage II imposes a series of restrictions to combat air pollution, including a ban on the use of coal and firewood for cooking, even in tandoors at hotels, restaurants, and open eateries. The use of diesel generator sets is also restricted, except for essential and emergency services.
The GRAP categorizes air quality in the Delhi-NCR region into four stages based on the AQI:
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Stage I – ‘Poor’ (AQI 201-300)
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Stage II – ‘Very Poor’ (AQI 301-400)
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Stage III – ‘Severe’ (AQI 401-450)
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Stage IV – ‘Severe Plus’ (AQI>450)
The implementation of GRAP Stage II underscores the urgent need for immediate action to address the alarming levels of air pollution in Delhi.
It is crucial for individuals, government agencies, and industries to work collaboratively to reduce emissions and improve air quality. This includes promoting the use of public transport, reducing vehicular traffic, phasing out polluting industries, and implementing stricter enforcement of pollution control measures.
