Delhi air quality severe; visibility 150m.
The Delhi government has directed all schools to suspend physical classes for students, except for those in classes 10 and 12, starting Monday. This decision comes in response to the severe deterioration in air quality, which has reached hazardous levels. Authorities aim to safeguard the health of children by minimizing their exposure to polluted outdoor environments. Students in classes 10 and 12 are exempted due to the importance of their board examination preparations. Online classes are likely to continue for other grades. The government is also implementing additional measures to curb pollution and address the public health emergency effectively.
Delhi’s Air Quality Hits ‘Severe Plus’ as Smog Engulfs the City
New Delhi: Delhi’s air quality plunged to the ‘severe plus’ category on Monday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recording an alarming 484, the worst this season so far. The city’s environmental health crisis prompted the authorities to implement stricter pollution control measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-IV.
Smog Leads to Drastic Visibility Drop
According to officials, visibility at Safdarjung Airport plummeted to just 150 meters, causing disruption in daily life and travel. The severe air quality is attributed to a combination of local and regional pollution sources, worsened by unfavorable weather conditions.
AQI Trends and Severity
on Monday, categorizing the air quality as hazardous. On Sunday, the AQI stood at 441 at 4 p.m. and rose to 457 by 7 p.m., reflecting the rapid escalation in pollution levels. Any AQI reading above 400 is deemed ‘severe’ and poses significant health risks to the general population, including healthy individuals.
GRAP Stage-IV Restrictions Enforced
With the AQI crossing 450, the Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) enforced Stage-IV restrictions of GRAP. This includes several stringent measures aimed at curbing pollution:
Suspension of Construction:* All construction activities at public projects, including highways, flyovers, power lines, pipelines, and similar infrastructure, have been halted.
Workforce Adjustments: The CAQM has recommended that offices in the National Capital Region (NCR) operate at 50% capacity, with the remaining workforce working from home.
This measure is intended to protect students from prolonged exposure to hazardous air.
GRAP and Its Implementation
First implemented in 2017, the GRAP is a set of anti-pollution measures designed to tackle air quality issues in Delhi and surrounding areas. It classifies air quality into four categories based on the AQI:
The GRAP provides a framework for implementing progressively stricter measures depending on the air quality severity.
Impact on Public Health and Daily Life
An AQI in the ‘severe plus’ category is particularly alarming due to its potential to cause severe respiratory problems, eye irritation, and cardiovascular issues, even in healthy individuals.
Unfavorable Weather Conditions
The weather department has also forecast very dense fog during the day, further exacerbating visibility and air quality concerns.
Long-Term Challenges
Delhi’s air pollution crisis has become an annual phenomenon, driven by factors like vehicular emissions, industrial activities, stubble burning in neighboring states, and unfavorable weather conditions. The recurring smog raises questions about the long-term efficacy of current measures and the need for sustainable solutions.
The Path Ahead
As the situation intensifies, experts emphasize the importance of both immediate and long-term interventions. Enhanced monitoring of pollution sources, stricter enforcement of emission norms, and a robust public awareness campaign are essential to combat the crisis. Collaborative efforts between the government, industries, and the public will be crucial in addressing the root causes of Delhi’s pollution.
In the short term, residents are advised to minimize outdoor activities, use air purifiers indoors, and wear N95 masks when stepping out. The government’s proactive measures under GRAP, while necessary, underline the urgency of addressing Delhi’s persistent air quality challenges comprehensively.
Conclusion
While the implementation of GRAP Stage-IV restrictions offers some relief, the city’s pollution crisis demands sustained efforts and systemic changes to ensure cleaner air and healthier living conditions for its residents.