Delhi-NCR Air Quality Deteriorates, Centre's Panel Imposes GRAP 2 Restrictions Ahead of Diwali

As the national capital prepares for Diwali, the Centre's panel on Delhi-NCR's air quality has announced imposing restrictions under GRAP 2 in response to deteriorating air quality conditions. The Commission for Air Quality Management has invoked all actions under Stage-II ('Very Poor' Air Quality) of the extant GRAP in the entire NCR, effective immediately. The decision comes as the national capital records its sixth consecutive day of 'poor' Air Quality Index (AQI) levels, with the AQI on Sunday evening recorded at 296, nearing 'very poor' levels.

Key Takeaways:

• The Centre's panel has imposed GRAP 2 restrictions in Delhi-NCR ahead of Diwali, in response to deteriorating air quality conditions.
• The AQI in Delhi-NCR has shown an increasing trend since morning, with a recorded AQI of 296 at 4:00 PM and 302 at 7:00 PM.
• The Sub-Committee has decided to invoke all actions under Stage-II ('Very Poor' Air Quality) of the extant GRAP in the entire NCR, with immediate effect.
• The pollution levels in Noida and Ghaziabad were recorded in the 'very poor' category, while that of Faridabad was at 'moderate' levels.
• The Centre has allowed the bursting of green firecrackers in the capital 'on a test case basis', despite the expected deterioration of air quality levels.
• The AQI in Delhi-NCR was recorded at 268 on Saturday, and was 254 and 245 on the two previous days.

Statistics:

• AQI in Delhi-NCR recorded at 296 on Sunday evening.
• AQI in Delhi-NCR recorded at 268 on Saturday.
• AQI in Delhi-NCR recorded at 254 and 245 on the two previous days.
• Pollution levels in Noida and Ghaziabad recorded in the 'very poor' category.
• Pollution levels in Faridabad recorded at 'moderate' levels.
• Sixth consecutive day of 'poor' AQI levels in Delhi-NCR.

Sources:

• Commission for Air Quality Management's statement.
• Central Pollution Control Board's daily bulletin.
• Hindustan Times.