As the Air Quality Index (AQI) fell into the “severe-plus” category this morning, Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) were engulfed in a dense blanket of smog, a poisonous mixture of smoke and fog. Authorities were compelled to announce strict pollution control measures as a result.
With Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting a season-high of 441 by 4 PM, firmly in the “severe” category, the deadly haze that had been hovering over the NCR for the previous several days grew even more intense on Sunday. Compared to 419 the day before, this was an increase. By 6 PM, the AQI had risen above 450 and was in the’severe-plus‘ category, which prompted the Commission for Air Quality Management to implement the Graded Response Action Plan’s fourth worst phase.
Delhi’s AQI reached 481 at 7 AM, the lowest level of the season thus far, based on real-time data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR). This was ascribed by officials to “adverse” weather conditions around Delhi-NCR.
With an AQI of 0 to 50, 51 to 100, 101 to 200, moderate, 201 to 300, poor, 301 to 400, severe, and above 450 severe-plus, one is deemed good.
As part of Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi-NCR, which went into effect at 8 AM, the central air quality panel has implemented stringent pollution control measures. These are on top of the preventive measures that have already been put in place under GRAP Stages 1, 2, and 3.
Based on air quality levels, the Delhi-NCR GRAP is separated into four stages: “poor” (AQI 201-300) for Stage 1, “very poor” (AQI 301-400) for Stage 3, “severe” (AQI 401-450) for Stage 3, and “severe-plus” (AQI above 450) for Stage 4.
People with respiratory, cardiac, cerebrovascular, or other chronic conditions, as well as children and the elderly, have been advised by the Air Quality Management Commission (CAQM) to stay indoors as much as possible.
Only trucks transporting necessities or powered by clean fuels like LNG, CNG, BS-VI diesel, or electric vehicles are permitted entry into Delhi under GRAP Stage 4.
With the exception of EVs, CNG vehicles, BS-VI diesel vehicles, and those delivering necessities, non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside of Delhi are likewise forbidden.
Furthermore, unless they are performing critical services, Delhi-registered BS-IV or older diesel medium and heavy cargo vehicles are prohibited.
The prohibition on dust-intensive building activities and other restrictions imposed under previous GRAP stages are supplemented by these new regulations. Strict regulations are necessary to successfully reduce pollution levels because the capital and the surrounding areas are shrouded in smog.
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