A thick blanket of smog has descended upon Delhi, as the city’s air quality plummeted to ‘very poor’ levels, prompting authorities to take stringent measures. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the air quality index (AQI) reached a concerning 385 at 8 a.m. on October 22nd, placing the national capital in the ‘very poor’ category.
The CPCB has issued a warning to citizens, especially those with respiratory conditions, advising them to take precautions due to the potential health impacts of the severe pollution. The agency has also indicated that the pollution levels are expected to remain high if unfavorable weather conditions persist.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has swiftly implemented the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage II in Delhi-NCR, following the region’s overall AQI falling into the ‘very poor’ category on October 21st. Delhi recorded a daily average AQI of 310, according to the CPCB’s daily AQI Bulletin.
GRAP Stage II is a comprehensive strategy aimed at preventing further deterioration of air quality. It enforces a series of measures, including a ban on the use of coal and firewood, including in tandoors at hotels, restaurants, and open eateries. Additionally, the use of diesel generator sets is restricted, except for emergency and essential services. This implementation translates to an 11-point action plan being enforced across Delhi-NCR, focusing on reducing pollution sources.
Key components of the action plan include: mechanical/vacuum sweeping and water sprinkling on designated roads, intensified inspections at construction and demolition sites, and ensuring proper disposal of collected dust at designated locations. To encourage responsible behavior, the CAQM urges citizens to embrace public transport, minimize the use of personal vehicles, and regularly replace air filters in their vehicles. Citizens are also advised to avoid activities that generate dust and to refrain from open burning of solid waste and biomass.
What is GRAP? GRAP is a comprehensive framework of anti-air pollution measures implemented in Delhi and surrounding areas, tailored to the severity of air quality levels. The GRAP classifies the air quality in the Delhi-NCR under four distinct stages:
* Stage I – ‘Poor’ (AQI 201-300)
* Stage II – ‘Very Poor’ (AQI 301-400)
* Stage III – ‘Severe’ (AQI 401-450)
* Stage IV – ‘Severe Plus’ (AQI>450)
The implementation of GRAP Stage II signifies the critical situation Delhi faces, highlighting the need for collective action from citizens and authorities to mitigate the adverse impacts of severe air pollution.