GRAP III curbs imposed in Delhi as AQI touches 'severe'
What's the story
Delhi's air quality has deteriorated to "severe" levels, prompting authorities to implement Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect on Tuesday. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) jumped from 362 on Monday to a staggering 425 by Tuesday morning. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board's Sameer app showed that at least 34 out of 39 active monitoring stations recorded "severe" AQI levels.
Pollution hotspots
Bawana records worst AQI at 462
Bawana recorded the worst AQI at 462, followed by Wazirpur at 460. Mundka and Punjabi Bagh both recorded an AQI of 452. Other areas such as RK Puram (446), Patparganj (438), Anand Vihar (412), Alipur (442), and Chandni Chowk (416) were also severely affected. An AQI between 51 and 100 is classified as "satisfactory," 101 to 200 as "moderate," 201 to 300 as "poor," 301 to 400 as "very poor," and above 400 as "severe."
Health risks
GRAP Stage III measures activated
With AQI levels crossing the 400-mark, authorities have activated GRAP Stage III measures. These typically include a ban on construction and demolition activities, shutting down brick kilns and stone crushers, and regulating power plants. The government is also advising people to stay indoors as much as possible during this period due to health risks associated with poor air quality.
Ongoing crisis
Pollution monitoring app goes dark amid thick haze
The air quality has been deteriorating since last month, especially after Diwali celebrations, when firecrackers were extensively used. Farm fires in neighboring states and low wind activity have also worsened the situation. Meanwhile, a government pollution monitoring app and website went dark for most of Monday despite thickening toxic haze across Delhi. An update was finally provided late at night as AQI levels crossed into the "severe" category.