Pollution worsens in Delhi-NCR ahead of Diwali, GRAP-3 restrictions imposed; construction activities halted
Delhi-NCR has implemented GRAP Stage III restrictions ahead of Diwali as the AQI approaches the severe category. Construction activities have been halted, and work-from-home arrangements have been advised.
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu News): Air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) has started deteriorating ahead of Diwali. Amid rising pollution levels and forecasts indicating that air quality will remain in the severe category for the next three days, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday implemented restrictions under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
Under these restrictions, dust-generating construction and demolition activities have been prohibited across the entire NCR. State governments and concerned departments in Delhi-NCR have also been directed to consider implementing work-from-home arrangements for 50 per cent of employees in both government and private offices.
Delhi recorded an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 382 on Friday, approaching the threshold of 401 for the severe category. A day earlier, on Thursday, the AQI stood at 369. Out of the capital's 38 monitoring stations, 26 recorded air quality in the severe category. Punjabi Bagh recorded the highest AQI at 453, followed by Jahangirpuri at 447 and Rohini at 444. Only Lodhi Road recorded air quality in the poor category.
According to forecasts by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, Delhi's air quality may remain in the severe category from November 7 to 9. Pollution levels are also expected to remain between the severe and very poor categories over the following six days. Unfavourable weather conditions and slow wind speeds are causing pollutants to accumulate close to the ground.
According to experts, vehicle emissions, stubble-burning incidents in neighbouring states and firecracker emissions during Diwali could further worsen the pollution situation. PM2.5 remained the predominant pollutant in Delhi's air on Friday. These extremely fine particles can enter deep into the lungs through inhalation and cause serious health problems.