Just days after the Rekha Gupta-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government lifted the strict GRAP-4 anti-pollution measures, the air quality in the national capital has taken a sharp turn for the worse, re-entering the 'severe' category. Multiple monitoring stations across Delhi recorded alarmingly high pollution levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) breaching the 400 mark in several localities.
AQI Readings Paint a Grim Picture
According to the latest data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), numerous parts of the city are grappling with 'Very Poor' to 'severe' air. Nehru Nagar reported the highest AQI at 442, closely followed by Shadipur at 429 and Patparganj at 432. Other severely affected areas included Shivaji Park (400), RK Puram (412), and Sirifort (402). The deterioration was pronounced in the morning hours, with dense smog and fog trapping pollutants near the surface, reducing visibility, and disrupting daily life.
Authorities Swing Into Action
In response to the escalating crisis, authorities have intensified monitoring and enforcement. The Commission for Air Quality Management has re-imposed Stage III measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). These measures include restrictions on construction activities and certain types of industrial operations. Additionally, the 'No PUC, No Fuel' rule is being strictly enforced at petrol pumps to curb emissions from vehicles.
The current spell of hazardous air is attributed to a combination of cold conditions, calm winds, and thick fog, which prevent the dispersion of pollutants. Weather forecasts suggest that these conditions are likely to persist, necessitating sustained vigilance.
Health Advisories and Government Measures
Under 'Very Poor' and 'Severe' air quality conditions, health experts advise residents, especially vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory issues, to limit prolonged outdoor exposure and use protective masks when outside.
Earlier, the Delhi Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, had approved several decisions aimed at bolstering environmental governance. A notable decision was the allocation of ₹100 crore for the rejuvenation of water bodies under the Delhi government's jurisdiction. The capital has approximately 1,000 water bodies, with 160 managed by the state government.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a dense to very dense fog warning for Delhi and isolated areas over Assam, Meghalaya, Haryana, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh during night and morning hours until December 28.
