Delhi air quality worsens: GRAP-IV restrictions imposed
Delhi’s air quality has once again entered the ‘severe’ category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) surpassing 400 across 26 of 37 monitoring stations. Key areas such as Jahangirpuri, Anand Vihar, and Bawana recorded alarming levels above 465. Low wind speeds, high humidity, and temperatures below 5°C have contributed to the recent pollution spike.
On Monday, Delhi’s AQI had already slipped to the ‘very poor’ category at 306. By Tuesday, pollution worsened, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to implement emergency GRAP-IV measures. GRAP stages are based on AQI levels, with Stage-IV activated when AQI exceeds 450.
Key GRAP-IV Measures
Authorities have banned entry of non-essential trucks, except those carrying essential goods or operating on LNG, CNG, or BS-VI diesel. Diesel-operated medium and heavy goods vehicles registered outside Delhi are prohibited. Schools and colleges must switch to online classes, while construction and demolition activities, including infrastructure projects, are suspended.
Additional measures, such as odd-even vehicle restrictions and closures of non-essential businesses, are under consideration. The CAQM has advised staggered office timings to curb vehicular emissions further.
Challenges Ahead
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts unfavorable conditions for pollutant dispersal. Calm winds and high humidity will likely trap pollutants, worsening air quality. Dense fog or smog is also expected, adding to public health concerns.
The Supreme Court has called for a pan-India solution, urging the government to identify highly polluted cities and adopt mechanisms like CAQM nationwide.
As Delhi battles rising pollution, authorities continue to rely on emergency measures to mitigate the crisis.
