The Impressive TimesNew Delhi : With air quality plummeting to alarming levels in the National Capital Region (NCR), the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented actions under Stage III and Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This decision comes as Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) breached the “very poor” and “severe” categories, signaling an environmental emergency.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city recorded an average AQI above 350 early this morning, with several locations surpassing the severe category threshold of 400. Among the worst-hit areas, Rohini recorded an AQI of 431, followed by Bawana at 412 and Anand Vihar at 404. These levels indicate hazardous air quality, posing significant health risks to residents, especially vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
Under GRAP Stage III and IV restrictions, stringent measures are being enforced to curb pollution. Construction and demolition activities, except for essential projects, have been halted across Delhi-NCR. Entry of non-essential trucks into the capital has been restricted, and industries not using clean fuels are required to shut operations temporarily. Additionally, diesel generator sets are prohibited, except for emergency purposes, and the use of private vehicles is being discouraged to reduce vehicular emissions.
Experts attribute the sharp rise in pollution levels to a combination of seasonal factors, including a drop in temperature, low wind speeds, and emissions from stubble burning in neighboring states. These conditions trap pollutants closer to the ground, exacerbating the smog and leading to hazardous air quality.
The CAQM has urged residents to cooperate with the restrictions and adopt measures to minimize exposure to polluted air. People are advised to avoid outdoor physical activities, use N95 masks if stepping outside, and install air purifiers indoors. The Delhi government is also ramping up efforts to mitigate the crisis by deploying anti-smog guns and water sprinklers in high-pollution zones.
Environmentalists and public health experts have emphasized the need for long-term solutions to address Delhi’s recurring pollution crisis. “Short-term measures under GRAP are necessary, but we need sustained efforts, including stricter vehicular emissions standards, cleaner fuels, and improved waste management practices, to tackle this annual issue,” said an environmental researcher.
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