Delhi Pollution: Govt directs strict implementation of GRAP II measures

Delhi Pollution: The Delhi government will ensure strict enforcement of pollution control measures under the Graded Response Action Plan Stage 2 to combat deteriorating air quality in the city, Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Thursday.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi on Thursday morning was in the ‘severe’ category with a reading of 428 at 9 am. The AQI on Wednesday was reported as the worst in the country, plunging into the ‘severe’ category for the first time this season.

During a press briefing, Rai attributed the worsening conditions to a combination of calm winds and a drop in temperature. He also said that GRAP III would not be imposed yet as the situation is expected to improve from tomorrow.

Citing studies, Rai said contributions from surrounding areas play a significant role in Delhi’s pollution levels, with 30 per cent of the pollution originating from local sources and 34 per cent coming from the national capital region.

Also read: Dense fog, AQI ‘severe’: Delhi sees lowest minimum temperature

Rai assured that the Delhi government will strictly implement measures under GRAP 2 to prevent the air quality from deteriorating further.

“We will strengthen all ongoing campaigns and actions to mitigate pollution,” Rai stated.

He also mentioned that the government would review all current action plans and campaigns and enhance enforcement efforts to prevent pollution levels from reaching emergency thresholds.

Meanwhile, according to the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi’s Air Quality Index at 9 am was 428, which falls in the ‘severe’ category.

“Of 39 monitoring stations in Delhi, 32 recorded air quality in the ‘severe’ category, with readings above 400. These stations include Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, IGI Airport, ITO, Mandir Marg, North Campus, Patparganj, Punjabi Bagh, and Pusa among others,” an official said.

The air quality in Delhi on Wednesday was reported as the worst in the country, plunging into the ‘severe’ category for the first time this season.

The city’s 24-hour AQI, recorded at 4 pm every day, stood at 418 on Wednesday, up from 334 the previous day.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered “good”, 51 and 100 “satisfactory”, 101 and 200 “moderate”, 201 and 300 “poor”, 301 and 400 “very poor”, 401 and 450 “severe” and above 450 “severe plus”.

A thick veil of fog blanketed the city on Wednesday morning, reducing visibility to zero and affecting flight operations. The situation improved slightly on Thursday as the visibility at the Delhi Airport at 8.30 am was 400 metres.

Also read: Season’s first dense fog hits Delhi, visibility plunges to zero at IGI airport

The weather department said the maximum temperature is expected to settle at around 29 degrees Celsius.