Delhi-NCR’s air turns toxic this Diwali, with the capital’s AQI crossing 400.
The joy of Delhiites on the occasion of Diwali seems to be eclipsed by “toxic air.” The air quality in the capital and surrounding areas has deteriorated. The situation is such that the Air Quality Index (AQI) has crossed 400 in many areas of the capital. This situation is even before Diwali firecrackers have been burst last night. In view of the increasing levels of pollution in Delhi’s air, GRAP-2 restrictions have been implemented.
What is the pollution level in Delhi?
After the implementation of GRAP-2 in Delhi, a complete haze was visible near the Akshardham Temple on Monday morning. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) around Akshardham in Delhi this morning was recorded at 411, which falls in the “severe” category. A blanket of haze was also visible from the Barapullah Bridge early in the morning. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) around the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium area is 352. At the same time, AQI 347 was recorded near India Gate.
GRAP-2 activated
The air quality crisis in Delhi has deepened, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas (CAQM) to swiftly activate Stage-2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). An urgent meeting of the GRAP sub-committee of the CAQM was convened to review forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), which predicted continued “very poor” conditions (301-400°C) in the coming days due to local emissions, stagnant winds, and temperature inversion.
These measures on Delhi’s roads
In a decisive move to curb worsening pollution, the sub-committee unanimously formulated a 12-point action plan under Stage II, which builds on existing Stage I measures. Agencies such as the NCR Pollution Control Board and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) have been tasked with strict enforcement. The plan will begin with daily mechanical sweeping and water sprinkling on major roads, expediting machinery shifts, and sweeping hotspots and traffic corridors before peak hours, ensuring proper waste disposal.
