delhi-air-quality-back-to-being-severe-grap-4-imposed

Air pollution in Delhi took a turn for the worse on Sunday morning, with air quality index (AQI) recorded at 439 at 7 am, slotted in the ‘severe’ category, as per data by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The situation seemed to have worsened overnight, since the AQI was recorded at 432 at 10 pm on Saturday, before deteriorating further by early Sunday morning. 

In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reinvoked Stage-IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).

“Keeping in view the prevailing trend of air quality and relevant factors and in an effort to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region, the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP unanimously decides to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage-IV of the GRAP – ‘Severe+’ Air Quality (DELHI AQI>450), with immediate effect, in the entire NCR, as a proactive measure. 

This is in addition to the actions under Stages I, II, and III of the extant GRAP already in force in NCR,” the order from the CAQM read. 
The order further added that NCR Pollution Control Boards and other agencies concerned have been asked to escalate the preventative measures to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region.

 

Also Read: GRAP-3 reimposed in Delhi-NCR as air quality turns 'severe'

The persistent high pollution levels have raised serious health concerns, particularly for children, the elderly and people suffering from respiratory and cardiovascular ailments.

Several areas across the city reported alarmingly high pollution levels, reflecting the widespread nature of the pollution crisis. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 489, Ashok Vihar 463, Bawana 467, Chandni Chowk 464, Dwarka Sector 8 469, ITO 448, Narela 412, Punjabi Bagh 476, RK Puram 467 and Wazirpur 478. All these locations fell under the 'severe' category, indicating extremely poor air quality and heightened health risks.

As per AQI classification, a reading between 0 and 50 is 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor' and 401 to 500 'severe'.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) also reported dense fog in the morning hours, with moderate fog observed at several locations and dense fog at isolated spots. Minimum temperatures on Sunday hovered between 5 and 7 degrees Celsius, remaining below normal by 1.6 to 3 degrees Celsius.

With severe pollution, cold wave and dense fog persisting, authorities have urged citizens to limit outdoor activities, follow health advisories, and take precautions against the hazardous air quality.