Delhi’s air quality dips to ‘severe’ with AQI at 421. GRAP 4 returns, imposing strict curbs on construction, vehicles, and industries to control pollution in NCR. Check details.
Delhi’s air quality has hit the ‘severe’ category once again, prompting the return of GRAP 4 restrictions in the National Capital Region (NCR). As per the Centre for Air Quality Management (CAQM), these curbs were reintroduced after the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed the 400 mark late on Monday.
On Tuesday morning, the overall AQI in Delhi was recorded at 421, categorizing the air quality as ‘severe’. Unfavourable weather conditions are contributing to the rapid rise in pollution levels across the region.
Area-Wise AQI Data in Delhi (8 AM)
Here is a breakdown of the AQI readings from several key locations in Delhi:
| Location | AQI |
|---|---|
| Alipur GRAP 4 returns | 454 |
| Anand Vihar GRAP 4 returns | 467 |
| Ashok Vihar GRAP 4 returns | 459 |
| Aya Nagar GRAP 4 returns | 355 |
| Bawana GRAP 4 returns | 467 |
| Burari Crossing | 449 |
| CRRI Mathura Road GRAP 4 returns | 431 |
| Delhi Technological University GRAP 4 returns | 448 |
| Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range | 402 |
| Dwarka (Sector 8) | 429 |
| IHBAS (Dilshad Garden) | 320 |
| ITO | 436 |
| Jahangirpuri | 468 |
| JLN Stadium | 414 |
| Lodhi Road | 312 |
| Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium | 428 |
| Mandir Marg | 415 |
| Mundka | 436 |
| NSIT Dwarka | 289 |
| Najafgarh | 358 |
| Narela | 446 |
| Nehru Nagar | 463 |
| North Campus (Delhi University) | 437 |
| Okhla (Phase 2) | 435 |
| Patparganj | 447 |
AQI in NCR Cities
Apart from Delhi, the air quality in other NCR cities also remains poor. Here are the readings:
| City | AQI |
|---|---|
| Greater Noida | 398 |
| Noida | 382 |
| Ghaziabad | 380 |
| Gurugram | 356 |
| Faridabad | 258 |
Faridabad recorded the best air quality among NCR cities at 258, which falls under the ‘poor’ category.
GRAP 4 Restrictions Return
GRAP 4 returns as a response to Delhi’s worsening air quality. GRAP, or the Graded Response Action Plan, is enforced in stages depending on pollution levels. Stage 4 is the strictest phase, activated when AQI exceeds 450 or remains above 400 for several hours.
The following curbs have been imposed under Stage 4 GRAP:
- Construction Ban: All construction activities have been halted.
- Entry Ban for Trucks: Polluting trucks carrying non-essential goods are not allowed to enter Delhi.
- Hybrid Mode for Schools: Classes for students (except Grades X and XII) must shift to hybrid mode.
- No Industrial Activities: Industries running on non-clean fuels are banned.
- Vehicle Restrictions: Increased monitoring and strict enforcement on polluting vehicles.
Why Has Air Quality Worsened?
The sharp rise in pollution levels is due to a mix of factors:
- Unfavorable Weather: Calm winds and low temperatures trap pollutants close to the ground.
- Vehicular Emissions: Increased traffic contributes significantly to rising PM2.5 levels.
- Dust from Construction: Though construction bans are imposed, dust remains a key pollutant.
- Industrial Emissions: Non-clean fuels in industries worsen the situation.
How GRAP 4 Helps Control Pollution
The reimposition of GRAP 4 restrictions aims to control the rising pollution levels by reducing emissions from construction, vehicles, and industries. Key benefits of GRAP Stage 4 include:
- Reduced Dust and PM2.5 Levels: Stopping construction prevents dust particles from entering the air.
- Lower Vehicle Emissions: Banning trucks and regulating traffic helps decrease pollutants.
- Cleaner Industrial Air: Shutting non-compliant industries minimizes harmful gases.
However, compliance and strict monitoring remain critical for the success of these measures.
Steps People Can Take
With GRAP 4 restrictions in place, citizens can also take small steps to minimize pollution exposure:
- Avoid outdoor activities, especially early morning or late evening.
- Wear N95 masks when stepping outside.
- Use air purifiers indoors.
- Carpool or use public transport to reduce vehicular emissions.
- Follow government advisories on pollution control.
Conclusion
As GRAP 4 returns, Delhi and NCR residents face another round of strict anti-pollution measures. With the AQI reaching 421 in the ‘severe’ category, immediate action is necessary to control the worsening air quality. The CAQM will continue monitoring the situation, and restrictions will stay in place until pollution levels improve. Citizens must also take precautions to protect their health during this critical period.
