New Delhi: A day after Diwali celebrations, the air quality in the capital Delhi deteriorated drastically on Monday morning. The Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed 400 in many areas, approaching the severe category. Dense haze enveloped many parts of the city during the morning, significantly reducing visibility.
A thick layer of smog was clearly visible in the Indralok area of Delhi. People also faced smog and pollution in many other parts of the city this morning. The continuously deteriorating air quality has raised concerns among local residents.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Ghazipur recorded an AQI of 418, which falls in the severe category. Akshardham recorded an AQI of 337, which falls in the very poor category.
AQIs above 400 were recorded at several monitoring stations in Delhi. The highest AQI of 441 was recorded at Burari Crossing. This was followed by 437 at Vivek Vihar, 434 at Delhi Technological University (DTU), 433 each at Delhi University’s North Campus and Jahangirpuri, and 430 at Rohini.
AQIs of 417 were recorded at Mundka, 409 at Punjabi Bagh, 407 at NIH Narela, and 407 at ITO. All these areas remained in the severe category.
In other areas, the AQI was 396 at CRRI Mathura Road, 386 at Aya Nagar, 384 at Talkatora Garden, 378 at NSUT Jafarpur, 370 at Lodhi Road, 369 at Mandir Marg, 365 at Wazirpur, 364 at RK Puram, 363 each at Badarpur and IHBAS Dilshad Garden, and 361 at Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range.
The AQI was 340 in Najafgarh, 335 at Anand Vihar, 323 at IMD Lodhi Road, 319 at Ashok Vihar, and 267 at Sri Aurobindo Marg. However, data for IIT Delhi and Dwarka Sector-8 were not available.
GRAP-3 implemented in Delhi-NCR
Amid worsening pollution in Delhi, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented the third phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR on Friday, three days before Diwali.
Meanwhile, Mumbai also witnessed haze due to pollution. A thick layer of smog enveloped the Kalanagar and Bandra areas of the city.
According to pollution monitoring data, the AQI in Kherwadi-Bandra East was recorded at 264. Sewri also recorded 226, Ghatkopar 221, and Chembur 216. The AQI in Byculla was 193, Mindspace-Malad West 191, Kandivali West 187, and Worli 148. Kurla recorded 96.
A thick layer of smog was also observed in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, in the morning. People woke up to a hazy day in many areas of the city.
Different AQI categories
According to the CPCB’s classification, AQI levels ranging from 0 to 50 are considered good, 51 to 100 satisfactory, 101 to 200 moderate, 201 to 300 poor, 301 to 400 very poor, and 401 to 500 severe.
What are the four phases under GRAP?
Following the CAQM’s decision, the restrictions already in place under GRAP-3 will continue in Delhi-NCR. Additional steps will be taken to control pollution, and relevant agencies have been instructed to strictly enforce the rules.
This emergency action plan applies to Delhi as well as the surrounding districts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. It is implemented as a precautionary measure based on weather and pollution forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). Its purpose is to implement necessary restrictions before the AQI reaches critical levels.
GRAP is a four-stage emergency response to pollution. It is implemented in coordination with the CAQM, CPCB, and the respective state governments. As air quality deteriorates, restrictions become more stringent.
Stage 1: When the AQI is between 201 and 300, i.e., in the poor category, measures such as controlling road dust, enforcing pollution regulations, and prohibiting open burning of garbage are taken.
Stage 2: When the AQI reaches between 301 and 400, i.e., in the very poor category, measures such as increased dust control measures, increased parking fees, and changes in office timings are implemented.
Stage 3: This is implemented when the AQI reaches the severe category between 401 and 450. This includes strict vehicle restrictions, a halt to construction activities, and hybrid learning for primary school students.
Stage 4: This is implemented when the AQI reaches above 450, or the severe plus category. This includes a ban on heavy goods vehicles and emergency measures to control traffic and industrial pollution.