The air quality in Delhi-NCR has raised concerns, so authorities have acted expeditiously by announcing the enforceability of Stage II restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The forecasts warning of severe pollution levels and the imminent Diwali celebrations with associated firecracker use expected to aggravate the situation the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has taken a precautionary measure.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi rose dramatically on Sunday, clocking 296 at 4:00 PM and surpassing 302 at 7:00 PM entering the very poor category.
What is GRAP & Its Triggers?
GRAP is a tiered intervention mechanism to be activated whenever the region’s AQI exceeds some pre-agreed thresholds. The plan defines in four stages of worsening pollution as Stage I: Poor (AQI 201-300), Stage II: Very Poor (AQI 301-400), Stage III: Severe (AQI 401-450) and Stage IV: Severe+ (AQI above 450). The readings on Sunday evening placed Delhi on the very verge of Stage II, thus activating the measures to be imposed immediately.
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Measures Under Stage II
The implementation of Stage II will see a spike in limitations placed on all NCR areas. This means bans on coal and firewood including restaurant tandoors, restrictions on diesel generator sets except in the case of essential services and compliance of all Stage I restrictions. They are being advised to use public transport, stop open burning of wastes and suspend construction activities that generate dust from October to January.
As for the authorities, the GRAP orders for enhanced road sweeping and water sprinkling, increased dust suppression at construction sites and maintenance of uninterrupted power to minimize reliance on backup generators.
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How is the Perfect Storm of Pollution
The timing for this intervention is crucial and combination of several meteorological conditions low wind, stagnant air mass, cooling nights and the pending Diwali celebrations puts the city at an increased risk of sinking into Severe levels of pollution. Firecrackers being allowed on a trial basis just as the AQI starts becoming less than favorable means that authorities found it necessary to put Stage II into force before the much-celebrated festival in a bid to avert a crisis in air quality.
Each Level Taking Responsibility
Prevention is now a responsibility shared by everybody while the government will undertake major activities, individuals must also take the initiative traverse throughout public transport, restrict personal travel, ensure timely provision of PUC certificates, limit the burning of biomass or waste. Only in unison can NCR avert a serious air quality crisis during one of the most fun-filled times in the region.
Disclaimer: This article is based on official reports and public sources. AQI data and GRAP measures are subject to change as per real-time government updates.
