Delhi’s AQI dropped to ‘severe’ category yesterday with thin blanket of smog covering parts of the city and reducing visibility. The AQI had been under the ‘severe plus’ category for the past two consecutive days. Amid the deteriorating air quality in the national capital region, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has amended GRAP, introducing stricter measures. The decision of CAQM came after Supreme Court on Monday rapped the government and authority over their slackness in implementation of preventive measures to combat pollution.
CAQM Tightens GRAP
According to the revisions, it will now be mandatory for NCR states to discontinue physical classes up to Class V under GRAP Stage III and up to Class XII under GRAP Stage IV. This marks a significant policy shift, removing the discretionary power previously held by state governments.
The amended GRAP also includes a new directive under Stage III, requiring state governments to implement staggered timings for public offices and municipal bodies to reduce traffic congestion and associated emissions. This measure reflects the commission’s commitment to proactive and coordinated action against deteriorating air quality in the region.
A “mask advisory” has been introduced under GRAP Stage 4, urging individuals to wear masks when stepping outdoors during periods of hazardous air quality. This addition emphasizes the importance of personal health precautions alongside institutional interventions.
The amendments come after air pollution entered the ‘Severe+’ category with Air Quality Index (AQI) levels exceeding 450, last week.
AQI In Delhi
Air Quality Index in Delhi at 6am on Thursday has been recorded at 381 which comes under ‘very poor’ category. AQI recorded from parts of Delhi: Wazirpur (437), Anand Vihar (406), Ashok Vihar (416), Bawana (419), Punjabi Bagh (408), Rohini (408), Patparganj (385), Okhla Phase-2 (381), R K Puram (391).
#WATCH | Delhi | A layer of smog envelops the capital city as pollution levels continue to rise.
Visuals from AIIMS, where the AQI has been recorded at 339, categorised as ‘very poor’ according to the CPCB. pic.twitter.com/4ry73LLjp0
— ANI (@ANI) November 21, 2024
Environmentalist Raise Concern
Environmentalists have highlighted the need for comprehensive, long-term strategies to address systemic causes of pollution.
Environmentalist Vimlendu Jha said he is glad that GRAP IV measures have been implemented in Delhi-NCR, but one needs to understand that this is not a solution.
WFH For Delhi Govt Employees
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced that government offices in Delhi will switch to work-from-home for 50 per cent of the employees.
Gopal Rai wrote on X, “To reduce pollution, Delhi government decided to work from home in government offices. 50 per cent employees will work from home.”
आज दिल्ली सचिवालय में पर्यावरण मंत्रालय, GAD और औद्योगिक संघ CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM के अधिकारियों के साथ मीटिंग हुई, जिसमें अब दिल्ली सरकार के 50% कर्मचारी वर्क फ्रॉम होम करेंगे।
साथ ही प्राइवेट कार्यालयों के लिए भी वर्क फ्रॉम होम का निर्देश जारी किया जा रहा है और आवश्यक सेवाओं… pic.twitter.com/IXLVKIZzbU
— Gopal Rai (@AapKaGopalRai) November 20, 2024
He has also demanded permission to carry out artificial rainfall to break the layer of smog. Rai stressed that till the layer of smog is not broken the pollution cannot be mitigated.
“We are trying to reduce the layer of smog and are seeking an emergency meeting with the Union Environment Minister so that we can take all actions on the ground. We are also discussing odd-even but now experts are saying that we have imposed so many restrictions, people are now considering how much of an impact it will have,” Rai added.
#WATCH | Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai says “If we compare the last 2 days, a slight decline is being recorded in the AQI of Delhi and we hope that further improvement will be seen. Our effort is to reduce the level of pollution in Delhi as much as possible, for which the… pic.twitter.com/JGVSUlqIqY
— ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2024
