Delhi Pollution: AQI Still 'Very Poor', GRAP-II Curbs Continue As Wind Slows

Delhi's air quality concern intensifies as Environment Minister Gopal Rai responds to the ongoing pollution crisis. Read on to know details.

The air pollution situation in Delhi remains a cause for concern, prompting Environment Minister Gopal Rai to address the issue. According to Rai, the Weather Department's assessment indicates that a slowdown in wind speed may lead to fluctuations in the Air Quality Index (AQI). The Environment Department is now enforcing measures outlined in GRAP 1 and 2. Precautions at identified hotspots persist, with the continued use of 215 anti-smog guns and 375 water sprinklers. Additionally, dust control measures are mandatory at construction sites.

As quoted by news agency ANI on Wednesday, Rai said: "As per the weather dept, if the wind speed slows down, then there could be fluctuation in AQI levels. Environment Dept is ordering the implementation of measures under GRAP 1 and 2. Precautions currently being taken at hotspots will continue. The use of 215 anti-smog guns and 375 water sprinklers will continue. Dust control measures are to be followed mandatorily at construction sites."

"In case of disobedience of any kind of measures that are being undertaken or followed, actions will be taken by the department. 

As of Wednesday, Delhi's air quality lingered in the 'very poor' category, characterized by a faint haze blanketing the city. At 8:30 am, the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 318, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR-India).

The AQI scale categorizes air quality, with 0-50 considered "good", 51-100 "satisfactory", 101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor", 401-450 "severe", and above 450 as "severe plus".

On Tuesday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in Delhi lifted the GRAP Stage-III curbs owing to an improvement in the AQI. This decision allows for removing restrictions on the operation of BS III petrol and BS IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar.

The CAQM clarified that air quality forecasts from the India Meteorological Department/Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology do not anticipate a shift to the 'severe' category in the coming days based on available forecasts.

On November 2, the Centre's pollution control panel implemented Stage III restrictions, halting non-essential construction work, stone crushing, and mining in Delhi-NCR. This stage also imposed restrictions on the operation of BS III petrol and BS IV diesel four-wheelers in specific regions, which are now being lifted in response to the observed improvement in air quality.