The air quality in India's capital took a severe hit on Sunday, October 27, plunging into the 'Very Poor' category. This significant deterioration has triggered immediate action from pollution control authorities and raised health concerns among residents.
Alarming Spike in Pollution Levels
According to data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) for Delhi stood at a worrying 304. This reading firmly places the city's air in the 'Very Poor' bracket, as defined by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The monitoring agency attributed this sharp decline to calm wind conditions and low ventilation, which have prevented the dispersal of pollutants.
SAFAR's forecast indicates that the air quality is likely to remain in the 'Very Poor' category for the next few days. Neighbouring areas also suffered, with Ghaziabad recording an AQI of 310, Gurugram at 276, Noida at 282, Greater Noida at 242, and Faridabad at 303. Each of these locations reported air quality ranging from 'Poor' to 'Very Poor'.
Immediate Implementation of GRAP Stage-II Measures
In response to the worsening situation, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) swiftly enforced the second stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This decision was made during an urgent review meeting held on Sunday. The CAQM's sub-committee noted that Delhi's AQI had crossed the 300 mark, necessitating proactive measures to prevent further degradation.
The actions under GRAP Stage-II include a multi-pronged approach:
- Enhanced public transport services to reduce private vehicle usage.
- Strict vigilance and enforcement to control dust pollution at construction and demolition sites.
- Regular mechanized cleaning and water sprinkling on roads to suppress dust.
- Intensified checks to prevent the burning of waste and biomass.
The CAQM has directed the responsible agencies, including the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and municipal bodies, to ensure strict compliance. The commission has also urged the public to cooperate by using cleaner modes of transport and reporting pollution violations.
Health Implications and the Path Forward
An AQI between 301 and 400 is classified as 'Very Poor'. Health experts warn that such air quality can lead to respiratory illness upon prolonged exposure. The authorities have advised vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing heart or lung conditions, to limit outdoor activities and strenuous exertion.
The implementation of GRAP is a dynamic process. The CAQM has stated it will closely monitor the situation and may consider invoking more stringent Stage-III restrictions if the AQI shows a consistent upward trend and is projected to enter the 'Severe' category. The coming days are critical, with meteorological conditions playing a decisive role in whether the pollution accumulates or disperses.
This early-season dip into 'Very Poor' air quality serves as a stark reminder of the persistent pollution challenge facing the National Capital Region. It underscores the need for sustained, year-round efforts to tackle emission sources, rather than just emergency responses during peak winter months.
