The deterioration following Dussehra celebrations comes as the national capital prepares for the winter pollution season, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to impose Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Delhi’s air quality deteriorated to the ‘poor’ category on Wednesday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 244 at 3.44 pm, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The Graded Response Action Plan is a set of pollution-control measures implemented across Delhi-NCR to limit emissions and prevent air quality from worsening. The CAQM oversees the plan, which has four stages based on pollution levels and forecasts. The measures focus on controlling road dust, monitoring construction activities and enforcing existing pollution-control rules. Under Stage-I, authorities are required to strengthen dust-control measures and monitor activities that contribute to pollution. The key measures include: Residents are advised to monitor official air quality updates and limit strenuous outdoor activities when pollution levels are high.
Jahangirpuri and Pusa recorded ‘very poor’ air quality, with AQI readings of 308 and 314, respectively, at 10 am, news agency ANI reported, according to data from 56 of Delhi’s 59 air quality monitoring stations. Jahangirpuri and Pusa recorded Air Quality Index (AQI) readings of 308 and 314, respectively, at 10 am, according to data from 56 of the capital’s 59 monitoring stations, news agency ANI reported. Stage-I applies when the AQI falls between 201 and 300, classified as ‘poor’.
As winter approaches, Delhi’s air quality will depend on weather conditions, wind speed, and emissions from vehicles, industries, construction, and other sources. Authorities are expected to monitor pollution levels and enforce the applicable measures to prevent further deterioration.
