Delhi’s air quality has deteriorated drastically, prompting the reimposition of Stage 4 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). On the evening of December 16, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the central government body responsible for monitoring air pollution, announced that the national capital and its neighboring areas would face GRAP-4 restrictions, effective immediately.
The decision comes after the air quality index (AQI) soared past 400, reaching the ‘Severe+’ category. Earlier in the day, CAQM had implemented Stage 3 restrictions when the AQI was hovering over 300. However, the situation worsened with highly unfavorable meteorological conditions, including calm winds and low mixing heights, which exacerbated pollution levels.
At 4 p.m., Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI stood at 379, and by 10 p.m., it breached the 400-mark. In light of the deteriorating air quality, the CAQM convened an emergency meeting, where it was decided to escalate measures and enforce the most stringent Stage-IV of the GRAP schedule.
Key Restrictions Under GRAP-4
Stage-4 restrictions involve stringent measures aimed at curbing pollution and protecting public health:
- Truck Traffic Ban: Entry of trucks into Delhi will be halted, reducing vehicular emissions.
- Construction and Demolition Ban: All construction and demolition activities will be suspended, except for those related to linear public projects such as roads, highways, and flyovers.
- Closure of Schools and Offices: Physical classes for students in grades VI-IX and XI may be discontinued. Delhi government offices and private organizations may operate with 50% staff working from home.
- Public Health Measures: Vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, are advised to avoid outdoor activities.
- Additional Emergency Measures: State governments are urged to consider additional measures, such as the closure of non-essential commercial activities and the introduction of an odd-even system for vehicle movement.
Impact on Education and Daily Life
In Noida, a neighboring city in the National Capital Region (NCR), schools will start at 9 a.m. tomorrow due to the combined impact of severe cold and high air pollution. Classes will be conducted in a hybrid mode to ensure students’ safety.
Previous Struggles and Legal Concerns
Delhi’s air quality has been a longstanding issue, particularly during the winter months when air pollution often reaches hazardous levels. Last month, the city witnessed persistent air quality in the ‘severe’ and ‘very poor’ categories. This prompted numerous health warnings from medical experts and even legal interventions.
The Supreme Court has repeatedly held hearings on the annual air quality crisis. Over the past few weeks, the court has scrutinized the effectiveness of measures taken by the Delhi government and the CAQM, criticizing the authorities for allowing non-essential construction and vehicle movement during periods when restrictions like GRAP-4 were in effect.
The court has also questioned why stricter anti-pollution measures were not implemented when the AQI crossed the 300-mark. As the air quality continues to be a major concern, it remains to be seen how effective these measures will be in addressing the long-term pollution crisis in Delhi.
With the reintroduction of GRAP-4, authorities hope to mitigate the effects of the ongoing air quality emergency, but the situation remains dire, and the government faces increasing pressure to enforce more comprehensive and lasting solutions to combat Delhi’s pollution crisis.
Sources By Agencies
