Delhi AQI severe; schools online, GRAP-3 imposed
The air quality in Delhi remains a significant concern as GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) Stage 3 measures are set to come into force at 8 a.m. on Friday. The move comes as the AQI (Air Quality Index) levels have entered the severe category, posing health risks to the population. In response, the Delhi government has announced a shift to online classes for primary schools to protect young children from the hazardous pollution levels. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, urging residents to minimize outdoor activities and follow safety guidelines to reduce exposure to the toxic air.
Delhi’s air quality has once again dipped into the “severe” category, prompting a swift response from local and central authorities. On the morning of November 15, several areas across the National Capital Region (NCR), including Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram, were enveloped in a dense layer of smog. This worsening air quality has impacted visibility and raised significant health concerns for residents. The deteriorating air has been linked to seasonal factors like crop burning in neighboring states and winter temperature inversion, which traps pollutants close to the ground, creating hazardous breathing conditions.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) readings on Friday morning were consistently recorded in the “severe” category across various monitoring stations in Delhi and its surrounding areas. This category, according to AQI standards, indicates dangerously high levels of pollution, posing serious health risks, especially for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions. In response to these levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), which monitors and oversees pollution control efforts across the NCR, decided to impose stringent restrictions under Stage
GRAP is a multi-stage action plan aimed at curbing pollution levels across the Delhi NCR. It was developed as a comprehensive approach to deal with air pollution emergencies and includes a set of measures that increase in severity based on the pollution levels. With the AQI falling into the severe zone, GRAP Stage 3 restrictions were activated by CAQM to mitigate further deterioration. Under Stage 3, activities that contribute to pollution are restricted, particularly those involving construction and the use of certain vehicles. All construction and demolition activities in Delhi and NCR have been halted under this mandate to limit dust and other emissions. Additionally, a ban has been placed on the movement of specific vehicles, specifically BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles, which are older and generally emit higher levels of pollutants compared to newer, compliant models. These measures aim to reduce the immediate sources of pollution that contribute to the dangerously high AQI readings.
The implementation of GRAP Stage 3 restrictions is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. on Friday. Local officials and law enforcement agencies have been tasked with ensuring strict compliance with these restrictions. Authorities will monitor construction sites, commercial vehicle movement, and other activities that might exacerbate pollution levels. The CAQM has issued clear warnings to residents about minimizing outdoor exposure, advising individuals to stay indoors as much as possible, especially those with respiratory conditions and the elderly, who are particularly susceptible to adverse effects of the toxic air.
The Delhi government, in addition to supporting the CAQM’s restrictions, has implemented a specific measure aimed at protecting children from exposure to the harmful air. Given the severity of the situation, officials announced that physical classes for primary schools will be suspended until further notice. To prevent disruption in learning, online classes will continue, allowing students to keep up with their studies while staying safe indoors. This shift to online learning highlights the growing need for adaptive measures to protect children from the seasonal pollution crisis that plagues Delhi each winter. Parents have expressed concerns, but many have voiced relief that safety remains the priority, as children are particularly vulnerable to the health impacts of pollution.
In light of the escalating pollution crisis, public health experts have once again stressed the need for long-term solutions beyond seasonal emergency measures like GRAP. They point to sources such as industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and crop stubble burning in neighboring states as ongoing contributors to Delhi’s pollution woes. Addressing these sources will require collaborative efforts between states and significant investment in green technologies and infrastructure that support sustainable practices.
While the short-term measures under GRAP Stage 3 are expected to offer some relief, they are by no means a comprehensive solution to Delhi’s air pollution problem. Nonetheless, the immediate steps being taken aim to safeguard public health by reducing the pollutants in the atmosphere. Residents are urged to adhere to advisories, use air purifiers indoors if possible, and avoid outdoor exercise or other activities until air quality improves. The authorities, while responding to the present crisis, recognize that only sustained efforts throughout the year can effectively mitigate the severe impact of pollution, particularly during Delhi’s challenging winter months.