Parts Of Delhi-NCR Receive Light Rain; GRAP 4 Invoked Amid Deteriorating AQI

GRAP Stage- IV restrictions were re-imposed in Delhi-NCR after a sharp dip in the air quality. The IMD and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology predicted that AQI may breach the 400 mark soon.

Parts of Delhi-NCR received light rain on Wednesday evening.

Source : PTI

Parts of Delhi-NCR received light rain on Wednesday evening as thick fog blanketed the region in the morning, reducing visbility and disrupting more than 100 flights and 26 trains. Meanwhile, Centre invoked curbs under GRAP stage 4 in Delhi-NCR amid deteriorating air quality as the AQI reached 386 today. The India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology predicted that AQI may breach the 400 mark soon.

IMD had forecast cloudy skies throughout the day in Delhi, with light rain or drizzle likely in some areas today. It reported a minimum visibility of 200 metres in moderate fog with calm winds at Safdarjung and 150 metres in dense fog with calm winds at Palam around 5:30 AM on Wednesday. 

The weather department also issued an orange alert for the national capital, with dense to very dense fog reported in several areas. "An orange alert is issued for bad weather that can disrupt rail and road services. It has asked people to exercise caution while driving or travelling during foggy conditions, ensure the use of fog lights for better visibility, and stay updated on schedules by coordinating with airlines, railway authorities, and state transport services to avoid disruptions," the IMD said.

The humidity level at 8:30 AM was recorded at 97 per cent while the maximum temperature was predicted to likely settle around 19 degrees Celsius.

GRAP Stage-4 Reimposed In Delhi

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) sub committee invoked the GRAP Stage-IV with immediate effect on January 15. It had revoked Stage 3 restrictions on January 12 after the air quality index in the city improved due to rainfall.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) daily bulletin, Delhi's AQI reached 386 today, which falls under the 'Very Poor' category (301-400). The CAQM also highlighted that the AQI jumped from 275 on January 14 to 393 by 5:00 PM today, and reaching 396 by 6:00 PM.

Calm winds, foggy conditions, and low temperatures led to the accumulation of pollutants in the region, which in turn led to a sharp dip in the AQI. Thus, the CAQM directed the authorities in Delhi-NCR to invoke all actions under stages 3 and 4 with immediate effect.

"All actions of the GRAP schedule shall be implemented, monitored and reviewed by all the agencies concerned in the entire NCR to ensure that the AQI levels do not slip further. All implementing agencies shall keep strict vigil and intensify measures of the GRAP schedule. Citizens are requested to strictly adhere to the citizen charter under GRAP," the statement added.

 Restrictions under GRAP categorises air quality into four stages including, Stage 1 (Poor, AQI 201-300), Stage 2 (Very Poor, AQI 301-400), Stage 3 (Severe, AQI 401-450), and Stage 4 (Severe Plus, AQI above 450).

In winters, the unfavourable meteorological conditions in the national capital, combined with vehicle emissions, stubble burning, firecrackers, and other local pollution sources male the air quality levels in Delhi-NCR hazardous.