Delhi's AQI in 'severe' category despite GRAP-III curbs
What's the story
Delhi's air quality continued to deteriorate on Wednesday, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 413 in the 'severe' category at 8:00am. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed that most areas in the city had AQI levels above 400. Wazirpur recorded the highest AQI of 459, while NSIT Dwarka had a comparatively better reading of 215.
Action plan
CAQM issues GRAP Stage III measures
In light of the pollution crisis, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi and its neighboring regions, including Gurgaon, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar. The Stage III measures include a ban on construction and demolition activities, restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers, barring those used for essential services. Non-essential diesel-operated medium goods vehicles and BS-IV light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi are also barred.
Education impact
Delhi schools to conduct hybrid classes
The Delhi's Directorate of Education has also asked all schools to conduct classes for students up to Class V in hybrid mode. The decision was taken after a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. Furthermore, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav called on states and Union Territories in the National Capital Region (NCR) to submit action-taken reports on air pollution management efforts.
Pollution sources
Conditions likely to remain 'very poor' till Friday
Experts attributed the spike in pollution levels to meteorological inversion, where warm air traps cooler air and pollutants near the ground. The Centre's Air Quality Early Warning System forecasts a marginal improvement in AQI on Wednesday, with conditions likely remaining "very poor" till Friday. "The outlook for the subsequent six days from Friday shows the air quality is likely to be in the 'very poor' category," it said.