Delhi-NCR: Curbs Under GRAP Stage 3 Return As Air Pollution Levels Rise Again

Delhi-NCR's air pollution has worsened again, prompting the reimplementation of Stage 3 of GRAP, banning BS-III/BS-IV vehicles and non-essential diesel vehicles.

File photo | Delhi’s air quality has further deteriorated, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 318, categorised as "very poor."

Source : PTI

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM reintroduced Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR on Friday, as pollution levels spiked once again. Under Stage 3, the use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars (four-wheelers) is restricted in Delhi and neighbouring NCR districts. However, persons with disabilities are exempt from these restrictions. Additionally, non-essential diesel-operated medium goods vehicles with BS-IV or older standards are banned in the capital.

The air quality in Delhi remained in the "very poor" category, with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 371, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Among 32 monitoring stations, 10 recorded AQI levels in the "severe" category with readings exceeding 400, as per the SAMEER app. These stations included Jahangirpuri, Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, Nehru Nagar, Okhla Phase 2, and Punjabi Bagh. The remaining stations fell under the "very poor" category.  

On Thursday, the AQI stood at 318. An AQI between 301 and 400 is categorised as "very poor," while readings between 401 and 500 fall under the "severe" category.

Delhi-NCR Weather: Cold Day Conditions In Parts Of Capital

The Delhi-NCR region woke up to thick fog on Friday, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of 8°C.

Visibility conditions worsened significantly at 6 a.m., prompting authorities to take necessary actions to ensure safety. Flights lacking the required equipment for low-visibility landings, particularly those not adhering to CAT III standards, are anticipated to face delays or cancellations.

The Safdarjung weather station, which is considered a benchmark for Delhi's climate, recorded a maximum temperature of 16.2°C earlier on Thursday, slightly higher than 15°C the previous day, but still three degrees below the normal. According to the IMD, "cold day" conditions are declared when the maximum temperature is 4.5°C or more below normal, provided the minimum temperature is below 10°C. While Safdarjung did not meet this criterion, the Palam, Najafgarh, Pusa, and Narela weather stations reported "cold day" conditions.

Relief may be on the way, as the IMD predicts a slight rise in temperatures in the coming days due to a fresh western disturbance. The maximum temperature is expected to remain around 17°C on Friday, rising to 18°C by Saturday. "A marginal increase of about one degree in maximum temperatures is anticipated across most parts of the region," an IMD official stated, as per IANS.

Delhi-NCR Weather: Trains, Flights Delayed Due To Fog

Dense fog blanketed several parts of Delhi-NCR, significantly reducing visibility and affecting both train and flight operations. At least 24 trains departing from Delhi were delayed due to the weather, including the Ayodhya Express, which was delayed by four hours, and the Gorakhdham Express, which was running more than two hours late. The Bihar Kranti Express and Shram Shakti Express were also delayed by over three hours.

Meanwhile, flight operations were similarly impacted. Delhi Airport reported an average delay of five minutes for arrival flights and 11 minutes for departure flights, according to FlightRadar24. SpiceJet confirmed that all flights to and from Amritsar and Guwahati were affected due to adverse weather conditions. IndiGo issued a travel advisory, particularly for Delhi, Amritsar, Lucknow, Bengaluru, and Guwahati routes.

Several airlines urged passengers to check flight schedules before embarking on their journeys, cautioning that flights might be cancelled if visibility remains poor. According to data from the IMD, Delhi is expected to experience fog until January 8, with light rain predicted on January 6.