Sign in Subscribe
Air quality

Delhi-NCR Air Quality Deteriorates to "Very Poor" Category, CAQM Activates Stage II of GRAP

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Delhi's air quality has shown a sharp deterioration, crossing into the "very poor" category, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to invoke Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR. The decision follows an emergency review by the Sub-Committee on GRAP, which observed a steady rise in pollution levels throughout the day. The AQI of Delhi has been recorded at 296 at 4:00 pm and 302 at 7:00 pm, with a forecast predicting further deterioration of AQI in the coming days. Residents have expressed frustration over the annual spike in pollution, attributing the worsening smog to vehicle emissions, stubble burning, and seasonal fireworks.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR due to deteriorating air quality.
  • The air quality index (AQI) of Delhi has been recorded at 296 at 4:00 pm and 302 at 7:00 pm, just below the "very poor" threshold of 301.
  • 12 out of 38 monitoring stations in Delhi reported "very poor" air quality, with Anand Vihar topping the chart at a severe 430.
  • The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported maximum and minimum temperatures of 33.3°C and 20.6°C respectively, with humidity touching 91% by evening.
  • Residents have expressed frustration over the annual spike in pollution, attributing the worsening smog to vehicle emissions, stubble burning, and seasonal fireworks.
  • Stage II of GRAP includes intensified dust control, public transport expansion, and restrictions on diesel generator sets.
  • Authorities have been directed to implement daily mechanical sweeping and water sprinkling on roads, expand public transport services, and increase parking fees to discourage private vehicle use.
  • The CAQM has also urged Resident Welfare Associations to provide electric heaters to outdoor staff to prevent open burning of waste or biomass.

Statistics:

  • AQI of Delhi at 4:00 pm: 296
  • AQI of Delhi at 7:00 pm: 302
  • Number of monitoring stations with "very poor" air quality: 12 out of 38
  • AQI score at Anand Vihar: 430
  • Maximum temperature: 33.3°C
  • Minimum temperature: 20.6°C
  • Humidity by evening: 91%

Sources:

  • Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
  • Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
  • India Meteorological Department (IMD)
  • Times of India News Desk

Read more