Delhi's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) on Wednesday surpassed the 400 mark, reaching a level that mandates authorities to implement stricter measures under Stage 3 of the government's air pollution control plan known as the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). However, the Union government opted to postpone the enforcement of more stringent measures aimed at curbing pollution. This decision was influenced by forecasts indicating a potential improvement in the situation.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital dipped into the 'severe' category, reaching a reading of 405 at 8 pm.
"The CAQM Sub-Committee responsible for operationalizing GRAP convened to assess the air quality status, meteorological predictions, and the projected air quality index provided by the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology," an official statement informed, as per news agency PTI.
Considering forecasts from both the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) indicating an anticipated improvement in air quality, the Sub-Committee unanimously decided to monitor the situation for a day or more before implementing Stage 3 of GRAP.
While Stage 3 measures are on hold, the preventive and restrictive actions already in place under Stage 1 and Stage 2 of GRAP will persist, as outlined by the statement, PTI reported.