Delhi Air Pollution: AQI Hits ‘Severe’ Level, Low Visibility in NCR; Primary Schools Move Online as GRAP-3 Enforced

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Delhi’s Air Pollution Crisis: Key Updates and Insights on GRAP Implementation

On Friday, November 15, Delhi’s air quality continued to remain in the “severe” category, with dense smog blanketing the National Capital Region (NCR), including areas like Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram. The toxic air not only disrupted daily life but also triggered significant measures under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), rolled out by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).

Worsening AQI Levels

The pollution crisis intensified as the Air Quality Index (AQI) across Delhi and NCR areas showed alarming figures. Anand Vihar registered an AQI of 441 early on Thursday, while Bawana and Jahangirpuri exceeded 450, both falling under the “severe” category. On Thursday evening, Delhi’s overall AQI rose to 424, up from 418 a day earlier, with over 27 of Delhi’s 39 monitoring stations reporting severe levels.

New Measures Under GRAP-III

To mitigate the crisis, CAQM activated the third stage of GRAP, introducing strict measures aimed at reducing emissions:

  • Construction Ban: A complete halt on construction and demolition activities, except for essential projects like hospitals, railways, and highways.
  • Vehicle Restrictions: BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles are banned across Delhi and NCR. Electric, CNG, and BS-VI diesel vehicles are exempted. Violators face a penalty of ₹20,000 under the Motor Vehicle Act.
  • School Adjustments: Primary schools shifted to online classes to shield children from exposure to toxic air.
  • Increased Public Transport: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has added 20 extra weekday trips to accommodate the surge in commuters due to vehicle restrictions.

Political Blame Game Over Pollution

The alarming pollution levels have sparked a political war of words. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanded the resignation of Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai, accusing him of failing to manage the crisis. Rai countered by blaming the BJP-led governments in neighboring states for not addressing stubble burning effectively.

Root Causes of Pollution

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) highlights two primary contributors:

  1. Vehicular Emissions: Responsible for 12.2% of Delhi’s air pollution, vehicle emissions remain a pressing concern despite GRAP restrictions.
  2. Stubble Burning: Satellite data recorded a high number of farm fires in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, exacerbating the smog. The practice has consistently been a seasonal contributor to Delhi’s air quality woes.

Impact on Public Health and Economy

The toxic air has severe implications for public health, especially for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Hospitals have reported a surge in cases of breathing difficulties, while the economic cost of reduced productivity and healthcare expenses continues to mount.

What Lies Ahead?

If AQI levels deteriorate further, Delhi-NCR could see the implementation of GRAP Stage IV, the most severe category, which includes additional restrictions like shutting down non-essential industries and a complete ban on diesel-operated trucks. The government has urged citizens to minimize outdoor activities and use public transport whenever possible.

A Call for Collaborative Action

Environmental experts have stressed the need for a multi-state approach to tackle the pollution crisis effectively. While local measures like GRAP play a role, coordinated efforts between Delhi and neighboring states are essential to address stubble burning, industrial emissions, and vehicular pollution holistically.

As Delhi grapples with this recurring crisis, long-term solutions such as transitioning to renewable energy, promoting sustainable farming practices, and improving public transportation infrastructure remain critical for ensuring cleaner air and a healthier future.

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