On Saturday, Delhi reintroduced stringent anti-pollution measures as the air quality sharply declined, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) surpassing the 400 mark and entering the "severe" category. Authorities reinstated Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan following an overnight surge in pollution levels, highlighting the persistent winter smog conditions in the national capital.
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board revealed that Delhi's AQI reached 405 at noon, peaking at 409 earlier in the day. This represents a significant increase from the approximately 393 recorded on Friday morning. Various monitoring stations indicated hazardous pollution levels, with Wazirpur identified as the worst-affected area, registering an AQI of 443. Other locations with severely polluted air included Jahangirpuri, Vivek Vihar, Anand Vihar, Ghazipur, Rohini, Chandni Chowk, and RK Puram.
The Commission for Air Quality Management has mandated that agencies across Delhi-NCR enforce all actions categorized under Stage III, along with existing measures from Stages I and II. These restrictions entail a ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities, stone crushing, and mining operations, as well as limitations on older diesel goods vehicles entering Delhi. Additionally, schools up to Class 5 have been advised to adopt a hybrid learning model, while offices in the region may operate with a 50% staff strength.
Environmental experts attribute the rise in pollution levels to stagnant wind conditions, vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and seasonal factors such as crop residue burning in neighboring states. The city has been enveloped in dense haze, which has diminished visibility and trapped pollutants close to the ground. On Friday, Delhi's AQI was already categorized as "very poor" at 386, indicating a rapid deterioration in air quality within a 24-hour period.
The Graded Response Action Plan is implemented during winter pollution episodes. Stage III of GRAP is activated when the AQI ranges between 401 and 450. The CPCB classifies an AQI above 400 as "severe." The CAQM is responsible for overseeing air quality management in the Delhi-NCR region.
Health experts caution that extended exposure to severe pollution can worsen respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, diminish lung function, and lead to eye and throat irritation. Meanwhile, Delhi Airport has reported that flight operations are normal despite low visibility, with low-visibility procedures in effect. Passengers are advised to check with airlines for updates regarding their flights.
Q1. What are the current AQI levels in Delhi?
Answer: Delhi's AQI has surpassed 400, indicating severe pollution levels. Monitoring stations report values as high as 443 in some areas, necessitating stricter measures.
Q2. What restrictions are in place under Stage III of GRAP?
Answer: Stage III restrictions include bans on non-essential construction, demolition activities, and older diesel vehicles, along with altered school and office operations.
Q3. What factors contribute to Delhi's worsening air quality?
Answer: Major contributors include stagnant wind conditions, vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and seasonal crop residue burning from nearby states.
Q4. How does severe pollution affect health?
Answer: Prolonged exposure to severe pollution can aggravate respiratory and heart conditions, reduce lung function, and cause irritation to the eyes and throat.
Q5. What is the role of the CAQM in air quality management?
Answer: The CAQM oversees and implements strategies for managing air quality in the Delhi-NCR region, including the enforcement of the Graded Response Action Plan.
Question 1: What is the AQI level that indicates severe pollution?
A) 300
B) 400
C) 450
D) 500
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which document governs the Graded Response Action Plan?
A) Air Pollution Control Act
B) Environmental Protection Act
C) National Air Quality Standards
D) Graded Response Action Plan Guidelines
Correct Answer: D
Question 3: What is the main reason for the air quality deterioration in winter?
A) Increased rainfall
B) Seasonal crop burning
C) High temperatures
D) Urban expansion
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What is one of the restrictions imposed under Stage III of GRAP?
A) Increase in vehicle emissions
B) Ban on non-essential construction
C) Unlimited vehicle access
D) No restrictions on fuel types
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: Who is responsible for air quality management in Delhi-NCR?
A) Central Pollution Control Board
B) Ministry of Environment
C) Commission for Air Quality Management
D) State Government
Correct Answer: C
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