Delhi’s Air Quality Deteriorates to ‘Very Poor’ Levels, Second Phase of GRAP Implemented

With Delhi’s air quality persisting in the ‘very poor’ category, marked by an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 306, the city’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced the initiation of the second phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to mitigate the escalating pollution levels in the national capital. The Environment Minister Rai also disclosed the convening of a meeting with all relevant departments to discuss the implementation of GRAP phase 2.

He acknowledged the onset of colder weather in Delhi and a reduction in wind speed, factors that may contribute to heightened pollution levels, with particulate matter lingering closer to the ground. He stressed the importance of controlling pollution sources to minimize its impact on public health.

Regarding measures to reduce pollution, Gopal Rai outlined the focus of GRAP 2, which centers on cleaning and water sprinkling. Additionally, increased bus and train frequencies are planned, along with higher parking charges to discourage private vehicle use. With winter approaching, guidelines will be provided to Resident Welfare Associations (RWA) to distribute heaters in an effort to reduce bonfires.

Rai emphasized the significance of the next 10 to 15 days, considering the combined effects of Diwali, stubble burning, and Dussehra on Delhi’s air quality.

Despite these efforts, the overall air quality in the city remained in the ‘Very Poor’ category, with an AQI of 306 on Monday morning, as per SAFAR-India. Commuters and residents expressed concern about the worsening air quality, with cyclists carrying masks and bandanas to cope with the dense smog.

The city’s air quality has steadily declined, moving from the ‘poor’ category to ‘very poor,’ with an AQI of 302 on Sunday afternoon, based on SAFAR-India data. Previously, on Sunday morning, it was recorded as ‘poor’ with an AQI of 266, compared to a rating of 173 on the preceding Saturday.

The Air Quality Index employs a six-category scale to convey air quality status to the public, based on pollutant concentrations and their potential health impacts. The categories range from ‘Good’ and ‘Satisfactory’ to ‘Moderate,’ ‘Poor,’ ‘Very Poor,’ and ‘Severe.’

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