In a concerning update on Tuesday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in various parts of Delhi descended into the ‘very poor’ category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The grim statistics, recorded at 7:00 am, revealed Anand Vihar at 340, Ashok Vihar at 315, ITO Delhi at 307, and Jahangirpuri at 332, underlining the severity of the air pollution crisis.
Just a day prior, on Monday, the national capital grappled with ‘Poor’ air quality levels, providing a brief respite before plunging back into the more ominous ‘very poor’ bracket. Delhi has been caught in the clutches of compromised air quality, ranging from ‘severe’ to ‘very poor’ over the past few weeks, prompting growing concerns among residents and environmentalists alike.
A glimmer of hope emerged over the weekend as light rainfall blessed several parts of the Delhi-National Capital Region on Sunday. The precipitation brought momentary relief to citizens breathing in elevated levels of air pollution, offering a respite from the persistent environmental challenges.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai, in a statement last week, announced the lifting of GRAP-3 (Graded Response Action Plan – Level 3) in the national capital. Despite this relief, the government remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring strict enforcement of GRAP-1 and GRAP-2, acknowledging the urgency of the situation.
The Graded Response Action Plan, designed to combat air pollution, categorizes measures based on the severity of the air quality. With the AQI scale ranging from ‘good’ (0-100) to ‘severe’ (400-500 or above), authorities are keenly aware of the critical need to address the escalating environmental crisis.
While the weekend’s light rains brought temporary relief, the battle against Delhi’s persistent air pollution remains far from over. Residents are advised to stay informed about air quality levels and take necessary precautions to safeguard their health. The government’s determination to implement stringent measures underscores the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the ongoing challenges faced by Delhiites in their struggle for cleaner air.
to grapple with the environmental crisis.
