Delhi Enforces Stage III Pollution Controls as Air Quality Plummets

Delhi’s battle with deteriorating air quality has reached a critical point, prompting authorities to implement Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR). This decisive action comes as the city grapples with an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 348, placing it firmly in the “very poor” category.

Understanding the Current Crisis

The capital’s air quality crisis has been exacerbated by a perfect storm of environmental conditions. Stagnant winds, coupled with plummeting temperatures and high humidity levels, have created an environment where pollutants remain trapped in the atmosphere. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports a significant 3°C drop in minimum temperatures, now ranging between 5°C and 8°C, while maximum temperatures hover between 21°C and 23°C.

Critical Pollution Hotspots

Recent measurements from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reveal concerning data across various Delhi locations:

Anand Vihar has recorded a severe AQI of 402
Patparganj shows readings of 385
Vivek Vihar registers at 387
Shadipur and Sonia Vihar have exceeded 340

Impact of Weather Conditions

The current meteorological situation presents a significant challenge to air quality improvement:

Wind speeds remain critically low at 5 km/h
High humidity levels persist
Temperature inversions trap pollutants near the ground
No immediate weather changes are forecast

GRAP III Implementation and Restrictions

Under Stage III of GRAP, several stringent measures have been put into effect:

Construction Activities: Non-essential construction work has been suspended
Vehicle Restrictions: BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles are banned, except for essential services
Industrial Emissions: Enhanced monitoring and control measures implemented

Understanding GRAP Framework

The Graded Response Action Plan operates on a four-tier system, each activated based on specific AQI thresholds:

Stage I (AQI 201-300)

Prohibits open garbage burning
Restricts coal usage in eateries

Stage II (AQI 301-400)

Limits diesel generator operation
Bans coal use in commercial establishments

Stage III (AQI 401-450)

Halts non-essential construction
Implements specific vehicle restrictions

Stage IV (AQI >450)

Enforces complete construction bans
Introduces truck restrictions
May implement odd-even vehicle scheme

Public Health Advisory

Residents are strongly advised to:

Minimize outdoor exposure
Use appropriate face masks when venturing outside
Stay informed about air quality updates
Follow health guidelines, especially for vulnerable populations

The situation remains dynamic, and authorities continue to monitor pollution levels closely. Until weather conditions improve significantly, these protective measures will remain crucial for public health safety in the Delhi-NCR region.