Improvement in Delhi’s Air Quality Leads to Easing of Restrictions

Improvement in Delhi's Air Quality Leads to Easing of Restrictions

VoM News Desk | November 18, 2023 | 08:25 PM IST | Climate & Environment, Delhi | Follow on Google News

Improvement in Delhi’s Air Quality Leads to Easing of Restrictions

Improvement in Delhi’s Air Quality Leads to Easing of Restrictions

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has lifted Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi and its surrounding areas, following an improvement in the region’s air quality. This decision comes as the air quality shifted from the ‘severe’ to ‘very poor’ category, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) in the city dropping to 319. The Stage-IV of GRAP, which was initially implemented to combat severe pollution levels, included a ban on the operation of all medium and heavy goods vehicles not engaged in essential services within the capital.

Continued Vigilance under GRAP Stages I-III

Despite the revocation of Stage-IV, restrictions under Stages I to III of the GRAP will remain in effect across the entire National Capital Region (NCR). These measures are crucial to prevent a relapse into the ‘Severe’ or ‘Severe +’ AQI categories. The CAQM has emphasized the importance of continued monitoring and implementation of these stages by all concerned agencies in the NCR.

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CAQM’s Assessment and Future Outlook

The CAQM’s Sub-Committee for operationalizing actions under GRAP convened to review the current air quality scenario and its future projections based on forecasts from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and IITM. Their analysis revealed a significant drop in AQI from 405 on November 17, 2023, to around 322 on the following day. This improvement, coupled with forecasts not indicating any steep degradation in air quality, prompted the lifting of Stage-IV restrictions. The Central Pollution Control Board corroborated these findings, noting that the present AQI level is well below the threshold for invoking Stage-IV actions.

Role of Agencies and Public Cooperation

The CAQM has advised agencies responsible for implementing GRAP measures and Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) in the NCR, along with the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), to ensure strict enforcement of actions under Stages I-III. The Commission has also appealed to the citizens of the NCR to cooperate in the implementation of GRAP and adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Citizen Charter under GRAP. This collaborative effort is crucial for maintaining the improved air quality and safeguarding public health in the region.

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