The worst AQI of the season, 481, was recorded in Delhi this morning. Officials attributed this to “unfavourable” weather conditions.
As the air quality index (AQI) fell to the “severe-plus” category Thursday morning, a dense layer of smog—a poisonous mixture of smoke and fog—engulfed the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), prompting officials to declare more stringent pollution control measures.
The national capital’s visibility was also impacted by smog, which had an impact on train and aviation operations. At 5 a.m., visibility at Palam decreased to 150 m.
Delhi’s AQI was 481 at 7 am, the lowest of the season, according to real-time data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR). It was caused by “unfavourable” weather conditions in Delhi-NCR, according to officials.
Good AQIs range from 0 to 50, satisfactory AQIs range from 51 to 100, moderate AQIs range from 101 to 200, bad AQIs range from 201 to 300, very poor AQIs range from 301 to 400, severe AQIs range from 401 to 450, and severe-plus AQIs fall above 450.
In accordance with Stage 4 of the anti-pollution strategy Graded Response Action strategy (GRAP), which went into force at 8 am, the Center’s air quality panel has called for more stringent pollution control measures for the Delhi-NCR. This is on top of the preventive measures that have previously been implemented under GRAP’s Stages 1, 2, and 3.
The GRAP for Delhi-NCR is divided into four stages of air quality: Stage 1 for “poor” air quality (AQI ranging from 201 to 300), Stage 2 for “very poor” air quality (AQI from 301 to 400), Stage 3 for “severe” air quality (AQI from 401 to 450), and Stage 4 for “severe-plus” air quality (AQI above 450).
GRAP 4 In Delhi As Air Quality Worsens
Grap 4 prohibits trucks from entering Delhi unless they are transporting necessities or are running on clean fuel (LNG, CNG, BS-VI diesel, or electric). Except for EVs, CNG, and BS-VI diesel vehicles, as well as those transporting necessities, non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside of Delhi will be forbidden.
BS-IV and older diesel medium and heavy freight trucks registered in Delhi are prohibited, with the exception of those used for vital services.
With the exception of students in classes 10 and 12, all in-person classes have been suspended.
The building of all public projects, including roads, flyovers, power lines, pipelines, and highways, has been halted.
It is advised that 50% of employees in Delhi-NCR work from home, with the remaining employees working in public and commercial offices. Employees of the central government may also be given the opportunity to work from home.
Additionally, state governments could impose odd-even car regulations, restrict non-essential commercial activity, and close colleges.
This year, stubble burning and farm fires in the neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana have contributed to almost 38% of the pollution in the nation’s capital.
Delhi suffers from haze every winter as a result of dust, pollutants, and smoke from illicit farm fires being trapped in the cold air.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) panel has advised people to stay indoors, especially young people, the elderly, and those suffering from respiratory, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, or other chronic illnesses.
