Why Delhi isn’t enforcing GRAP III anti-pollution rules despite hazardous air quality – Environment minister clarifies – India News
Delhi’s air quality continued to remain in the ‘severe’ category for a second consecutive day on Thursday, with the national capital grappling with thick smog and dangerously high pollution levels. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi stood at a concerning 428 at 9 am, signalling hazardous air conditions across the city.
A combination of low wind speeds and a dense fog layer has compounded the pollution problem, trapping harmful particles in the atmosphere and causing widespread visibility issues. The fog has been especially intense, making it difficult for residents to breathe and for air travel operations to function smoothly. At the city’s main international hub, IGI Airport, and other areas such as Anand Vihar and Mandir Marg, AQI levels were recorded above 400, with many locations seeing figures well into the 400s. Anand Vihar, in particular, reached a staggering 473, marking it as one of the most polluted areas of the day.
Strict Imposition of GRAP II
Despite these alarming readings, Delhi’s Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, assured residents that the third phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP III) will not be implemented for now. This phase would typically involve stricter actions such as halting construction activities and regulating the use of certain vehicles, but Rai indicated that the government is currently monitoring the situation and will take necessary steps as needed.
“The fog layer in Delhi is due to low wind speed, but we expect conditions to improve,” Rai said, reassuring that the Delhi government would continue to take all required actions to tackle the pollution crisis. However, he also remarked that political bickering over the issue of pollution was hindering effective solutions.
Meanwhile, the Delhi government has ordered strict implementation of GRAP II measures. “Delhi government will take all steps necessary if pollution situation worsens due to adverse weather conditions,” said Environment Minister Gopal Rai.
Wednesday’s AQI was already recorded at 418, marking the worst air quality of the season so far, and an increase from 334 on Tuesday. The persistent pollution is part of a growing crisis for the city, where residents have faced health warnings and advisories for days.
Weather reports indicate that Delhi’s minimum temperature on Thursday dipped to a seasonal low of 16.1°C, about three degrees higher than the usual temperatures for this time of year. The temperature rise, combined with stagnant winds, exacerbated the situation, trapping pollutants close to the ground. The situation was further complicated by the impact of the smog on visibility, especially affecting flight operations. However, visibility slightly improved on Thursday morning, with conditions reported at 400 meters by 8:30 am.
As of the latest reports, the air quality remained in the ‘severe’ category in several locations. RK Puram and Mundka both recorded AQI levels over 450, while areas like Dwarka and Chandni Chowk remained dangerously polluted with AQI levels reaching above 450 as well.
Delhi’s air quality crisis has sparked concern, with experts warning of serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. While the Delhi government continues to monitor the situation, it is clear that the ongoing pollution remains a significant challenge for the city’s residents.
Delhi Shrouded in Toxic Smog as Visibility Drops Sharply
As winter approaches, Delhi is already contending with severe air pollution and visibility challenges due to a thick layer of toxic smog. This week, a combination of pollutants, fog, and weather conditions have blanketed the city, impacting visibility and raising health concerns. Here’s an overview of the situation, its causes, and what lies ahead.
How Severe is the Smog?
Delhi experienced “dense” to “very dense” smog early on Wednesday and Thursday, with visibility dropping to alarming lows. The classification of “very dense” refers to visibility under 50 meters (164 feet), while “dense” visibility ranges from 50 meters to 200 meters (164 to 656 feet). On Wednesday, visibility was at its lowest around the city, particularly near Indira Gandhi International Airport, making travel and daily activities difficult. The smog lifted slightly on Thursday, allowing for visibility of around 300 meters (984 feet), though it remained challenging.
What Triggered the Smog?
A mix of meteorological conditions contributed to Delhi’s worsening smog. Low wind speeds, higher humidity, and a slight temperature dip created conditions conducive to the formation of thick fog droplets that captured pollutants in the air. The minimum temperature in Delhi dropped from 17.9 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit) on Tuesday to 16.1 degrees Celsius (61 degrees Fahrenheit) on Thursday. These factors prevented the dispersal of pollutants, leaving Delhi engulfed in toxic smog.
Is Pollution Also a Factor?
Pollution is undeniably a significant contributor to the smog. Delhi topped the global rankings for air pollution on Wednesday, according to Swiss monitoring group IQAir, which placed the city as the most polluted capital worldwide. The region’s daily air quality index (AQI) crossed into the “severe” category, with scores exceeding 400 for the first time this season. By Thursday morning, the AQI had soared to a staggering 430, marking an extremely hazardous level for residents.
Are Other Areas Affected?
Delhi is not alone in facing dense smog. Neighboring regions, including parts of Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, have also experienced severe smog, with visibility dropping to zero in some locations. Across the border, Pakistan’s Punjab province, which shares similar weather patterns, is dealing with comparable air quality issues. This highlights the widespread nature of pollution in the northern Indian subcontinent during this season.
Will Conditions Improve in Delhi?
Forecasts suggest that Delhi’s air quality is likely to remain in the “severe” category through Friday, but relief may be in sight. Authorities expect an improvement in air quality to the “very poor” range (AQI 300-400) over the weekend, as wind speeds are projected to increase. The anticipated change in wind conditions may help disperse the thick smog and improve visibility. However, these improvements are expected to be gradual, and pollution levels could remain hazardous for several days.
The toxic smog in Delhi serves as a stark reminder of the persistent air quality issues facing the city each winter season. Despite temporary measures and ongoing discussions around long-term solutions, this seasonal pattern of severe pollution continues to affect millions in Delhi and surrounding regions. For now, residents are advised to take precautions, limit outdoor exposure, and stay informed as conditions gradually evolve.
(With agency inputs)
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