The air quality crisis facing Delhi-NCR has reached alarming proportions, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to re-impose Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as of Thursday. On Wednesday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) registered severe levels, climbing from 276 to 365 due to smog and low wind speeds, emphasizing the urgent need for these interventions.
The situation is dire across the National Capital Region (NCR). Noida recorded an AQI of 317, categorizing it as ‘Very Poor,’ whereas Ghaziabad and Faridabad measured 271 and 279, respectively, also falling within poor air quality parameters. Gurugram was not far behind, with AQI levels hitting 310, raising fears about public health and safety amid these deteriorations.
Weather conditions have transitioned to milder temperatures, hovering between daytime highs of 20 to 24 degrees Celsius and cooler nights ranging from 12 to 14 degrees. Yet, as the seasons shift, pollution remains uncompromising, exposing residents to hazardous air quality, with experts warning to stay vigilant.
The re-implementation of GRAP Stage 3 triggers numerous restrictions to combat the pollution onslaught. Construction and demolition activities will be stopped, along with all non-essential mining operations. Officials have also restricted interstate buses which are non-electric, non-CNG, or do not meet BS-VI emission standards. Schools have been advised to shift to remote learning for classes up to five, indicating the urgency to protect the youngest and most vulnerable students.
"Actions under Stage I, II, and III will be implemented, reviewed, and monitored to prevent the air quality from deteriorATING," stated the CAQM, underlining the seriousness of the situation. With schools planning hybrid learning systems, parents can now opt for either online or offline classes, as many institutions have already moved to online learning amid increasing pollution levels.
Meanwhile, weather forecasts for early February predict mild rain, which could aid in alleviating the air quality issues. The IMD has indicated this rain may not only provide temporary relief but also result in slightly cooler temperatures. "Mild rain could help improve air quality at the beginning of February," officials remarked, hinting at hope for residents battling smog and its effects.
Historically, Delhi has contended with seasonal pollution spikes exacerbated by meteorological factors such as calm winds and low ventilation coefficients, which smother the dispersion of pollutants, allowing them to linger. Recent reports highlight the extent of the problem, showing alarming AQI levels across multiple areas—Anand Vihar recorded 418, Vivek Vihar 407, and West Delhi's Wazirpur at 401—ranking them all within the ‘Very Poor’ category.
Mike Delhi's weather has been harsh, with thick fog covering the capital, leading to reduced visibility and raising health concerns among residents. The combination of dense morning fog and high pollution levels poses additional challenges, as authorities encourage residents to limit outdoor activities and wear masks when venturing outside.
Authorities have been proactive but face significant obstacles. The government has previously taken measures to combat pollution such as vehicular restrictions, but persistent environmental and infrastructural challenges hamper efforts. Public advisory emphasizes the necessity for wearing masks and using air purifiers, raising awareness about personal health risks associated with compromised air quality.
The implementation of GRAP Stage 3 reflects not just the urgency of the current situation but highlights the need for lasting responses to air quality challenges. Moving forward, discussions surrounding long-term solutions must encompass community engagement to create viable pollution-cutting strategies.
For now, as Delhi navigates this public health crisis, families, schools, and authorities must work together, balancing safety and operational necessities under the watchful eye of environmental conditions. Sustaining momentum toward improvement will be no small feat, but with collective efforts, hope remains for cleaner air.