Delhi woke up to dangerously high air pollution levels on Thursday, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 'severe' levels across the national capital. A thick layer of smog blanketed Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region (NCR), leading to significantly reduced visibility. This comes a day after the city's AQI was recorded as the worst in the country.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Anand Vihar reported an AQI of 473 at 5 a.m. on Thursday, categorizing it as 'severe plus.' Areas such as Aya Nagar, Ashok Vihar, and Wazirpur also reported severe AQI levels, exceeding 400. Despite the severe air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) decided against implementing Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which would include measures like school closures and a ban on construction activities.
Rising Air Quality Concerns
Air quality in Delhi deteriorated rapidly on Wednesday, with the AQI escalating from 418 at 4 p.m. to 436 by 6 p.m. and reaching 454 later in the evening. This spike has been attributed to dense fog, which trapped pollutants close to the ground. The CAQM has cited stronger winds as a potential factor for improvement, predicting that pollution levels may start decreasing on Thursday.
Stage 2 of GRAP has been in effect since October 22, with various measures already being taken to address the worsening air quality. If Stage 3 is implemented, it could mean restrictions on construction, demolition activities, and bans on certain vehicles, along with suspending in-person classes for primary students.
Worst Air Quality of the Season
The CAQM has decided to monitor the situation closely before implementing stricter measures. On Wednesday, Delhi experienced its first dense fog and the lowest daytime temperature of the season, leading to trapped pollutants and severe air quality. The CAQM's sub-committee will reassess the need for Stage 3 restrictions on Thursday.
Delhi's 24-hour AQI stood at 418 at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, an increase from 334 recorded the previous day. The continuous rise in pollution levels has raised concerns among residents and experts, prompting questions about whether authorities are effectively addressing the root causes of the pollution crisis.
Health Impacts and Potential Restrictions
The spike in pollution levels and reduced visibility have raised concerns about the health impact on Delhi's residents. If air quality remains severe, authorities may enforce Stage 3 restrictions, including a ban on construction activities and limitations on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles. Schools may also be asked to move primary classes online until the air quality improves.
The CPCB reported that 30 out of Delhi's 36 monitoring stations recorded air quality in the 'severe' category. Adverse weather conditions, such as a drop in temperature from 32.8 degrees Celsius on Tuesday to 27.8 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, contributed to pollutants getting trapped near the ground.
Residents are being urged to take precautions, such as wearing masks and avoiding outdoor activities. Authorities are expected to announce further decisions based on updated air quality data in the coming days.
