GRAP III Imposed in Delhi as AQI Turns 'Severe': Will Anti-Pollution Measures Help?

New Delhi: Delhi's air quality has gone up to "hazardous" levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring to 428 on Thursday. In response to this, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) enforced stricter Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-3) measures, effective from 8 am on Friday.  Stage 3 of GRAP is activated when the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches ‘severe’ levels, introducing strict measures to control pollution. Delhi’s air quality breached the ‘severe’ level on Wednesday as it got worsened by calm winds and lower temperatures.

Check the Restrictions Under GRAP 3

• Construction and demolition activities will be halted
• Non-essential mining activities to be suspended
• Non-electric, non-CNG, and non-BS-VI diesel interstate buses will face restrictions

Also, there is likely possibility that primary schools might be asked to shift to online classes, according to an official. 

“Water sprinkling on major roads will increase to reduce dust and pollutants,” they said. 

According to the latest information updated at 8 am at AQICN, two areas in Delhi, crossed the 500 mark. ITI Jahangirpuri recorded an AQI of 581 the highest, while Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 521.

Meanwhile, several other areas like Narela, Punjabi Bagh, DITE Okhla, and Patparganj recorded the AQI over 400 mark.

This comes as the city's 24-hour Air Quality Index (AQI), which was recorded at 4 pm every day, stood at 418, up from 334 the previous day, which can trigger stringent restrictions under the third stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to mitigate hazardous conditions.

Meanwhile, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), however, said owing to stronger winds, the pollutant concentration is expected to start showing a declining trend from Thursday onwards and the AQI is likely to move back to the "very poor" category.

What Delhi’s Environment Minister Has to Say? 

Delhi's Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, linked the deteriorating air quality to calm winds and a drop in temperatures, which have caused pollutants to remain trapped in the air. 

However, he noted that winds are expected to pick up between Friday and Saturday, which could help disperse the pollutants and improve air quality in the coming days.