Stricter anti-pollution measures under stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) were enforced in Delhi-NCR to tackle escalating air pollution levels.
Adverse weather conditions, along with vehicle emissions, paddy-straw burning, and various local pollution sources, have resulted in dangerous air quality levels in Delhi-NCR in winter.
Due to the chilly weather, the air quality decreased in the national capital today. Subsequently, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) opted to promptly enforce all actions outlined in Stage-3 (Severe) and Stage-4 (Severe+) of the air pollution management strategy.
This step is a complement to the current measures of Stage-1 and 2, which are already implemented throughout the National Capital Region.
AQI levels reach 396 on Wednesday evening
According to the Supreme Court’s orders, Stage-3 measures are activated when the Air Quality Index (AQI) hits 350, and Stage-4 is implemented when AQI exceeds 400. Today, Delhi’s AQI hit 386, placing it in the ‘Very Poor’ range (301-400), as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) daily update.
The Sub-Committee noted a notable increase in pollution levels, as the AQI rose from 275 on January 14 to 393 by 5:00 PM and reached 396 by 6:00 PM today. This increase is due to thick fog, low temperatures, and unfavorable atmospheric conditions that obstruct the spread of pollutants.
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Predictions from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) indicate that the AQI might soon exceed the 400 level.
In response to the declining air quality, CAQM has implemented the 9-point action plan for Stage-III and the 7-point action plan for Stage-IV throughout the NCR. The relevant agencies, such as state Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), have been instructed to enforce these measures swiftly and rigorously.
