Delhi’s AQI Remains In 'Severe' Category, Environment Minister Rules Out GRAP 3 Measures For Now
Delhi's air quality remains severe due to low wind speed and thick fog. Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai stated that GRAP 3 restrictions have not yet been imposed.
The air quality of Delhi remained in the 'severe' category for a second consecutive day on Thursday, crossing the AQI over 400 for the first time in the last two days. The development came due to low wind speed which contributed to the formation of a thick fog layer across the national capital.
However, Environment Minister of Delhi, Gopal Rai, reacted over air quality and confirmed that the third phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP 3) is not likely to be imposed as of now.
Explaining the reason behind the sudden rise in AQI in Delhi, he told news agency ANI, "In this winter season, the Air Quality Index has crossed 400 for the first time in the last two days in Delhi. IMD's analysis states two reasons for the sudden rise in AQI in Delhi -First, snowfall in higher reaches in the mountains there resulted in a drop in temperature and formation of fog in Delhi; Second, slow wind speed...From today, wind speed is expected to pick up."
"The maximum temperature recorded today is 29 degrees Celsius. The temperature is expected to rise to 30 degrees Celsius. CAQM met yesterday and it was decided that GRAP III restrictions will not be imposed yet, " Rai added.
#WATCH | On air pollution in the national capital, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai says, "In this winter season, the Air Quality Index has crossed 400 for the first time in the last two days in Delhi. IMD's analysis states two reasons for the sudden rise in AQI in Delhi… pic.twitter.com/rPVdFVNh8X
— ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2024
32 Monitoring Stations Have Recorded AQI Levels Over 400
As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report, the Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi recorded 428 by 9 am, remaining in the 'severe' category. Out of 39 monitoring stations in Delhi, 32 stations have recorded AQI levels over 400, including Anand Vihar, IGI Airport, Mandir Marg, and Patparganj. As a result, the air quality shows 'worst' in Delhi which has become the highest in the country with a 24-hour AQI of 418 on Wednesday increasing from 334 the day prior.
"There is a possibility of improvement in the pollution level from tomorrow, due to which Grap 3 is not being imposed in Delhi. Today we are again giving instructions that the rules made under Grap 2 should be followed on the ground so that Grap 3 does not have to be implemented. If the pollution again goes into the 'severe' category then the Delhi government will take all the necessary steps and will work together with the people of Delhi," Rai said, NDTV reported.
Today, the Supreme Court agreed to speed up the hearing on measures to fight against the hazardous pollution levels in the city on November 18.
ALSO READ | Delhi Air Quality Continues To Be In 'Severe' As Dense Fog Wraps City
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