With the air in Delhi turning toxic again, the national capital has been blanketed in smog as the Air Quality Index (AQI) plunged into the ‘severe’ category this week. The Delhi government, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has rolled out a series of emergency measures to tackle the worsening air quality, including a ban on construction activities and shifting schools up to class 5 to hybrid mode.
Why has Delhi’s air quality worsened again?
The pollution levels in Delhi spiked sharply over the past few days due to multiple factors, stagnant weather conditions, vehicular emissions, dust, and stubble burning in neighbouring states. According to data recorded on Tuesday and Wednesday morning, Delhi’s overall AQI remained in the severe range, indicating that the air is unsafe even for healthy individuals.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) responded by enforcing Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the entire National Capital Region (NCR). This stage is invoked when the AQI crosses 400, signalling hazardous pollution levels that demand immediate restrictions.
What restrictions come under GRAP Stage III?
Under GRAP Stage III, a complete ban has been placed on construction and demolition activities in the NCR region, except for essential public projects like railways, metro, airports, and hospitals. Other emergency steps include intensified road sweeping, water sprinkling to control dust, and restrictions on diesel generator use (except for emergency services).
Authorities have also been asked to monitor hotspots of pollution and ensure strict enforcement of anti-smog measures.
Why are schools up to class 5 shifting to hybrid mode?
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that schools up to class 5 will switch to hybrid mode, allowing both online and physical classes. This decision comes as young children are among the most vulnerable to air pollution.
Addressing a press conference, CM Gupta said, “GRAP 3 has been imposed and all safety measures have been taken. Schools up to class 5 will be conducted in hybrid mode, online and physical.”
She added that the government has been working closely with multiple departments to ensure children’s safety and improve air quality across the city.
What steps is the Delhi government taking to fight pollution?
CM Gupta assured residents that her government has been taking proactive measures for months to control air pollution. She said efforts such as mechanised sweeping, water sprinkling, dust suppression, garbage removal, and monitoring of pollution hotspots are being carried out with full sincerity.
“The surrounding cities of Delhi have a huge impact on pollution. The measures the Delhi government is taking are being done with complete sincerity. Be it water sprinklers, dust mitigation, or smoke control, we are working with all our might,” she said.
The Chief Minister also mentioned that local authorities have been instructed to document “before and after” visuals of garbage removal and cleanliness drives to ensure accountability.
Was there a glitch in Delhi’s air quality data?
Addressing concerns about a brief technical issue with AQI data display, CM Gupta clarified that the lapse was not Delhi-specific.
“The readings weren’t available for five or six hours due to a national-level issue. Delhi’s data remained accurate and visible during that time. The government is vigilant about every measure and ensuring full transparency,” she stated.
What lies ahead for Delhi?
As the capital continues to struggle with rising pollution every winter, the government is urging residents to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, use public transport, and follow pollution-control advisories. Experts say weather conditions may improve marginally in the coming days, but sustained efforts are crucial to ensure long-term relief.
Delhi’s recurring air crisis once again highlights the need for regional cooperation among neighbouring states, stricter vehicle emission norms, and large-scale green initiatives to combat one of the world’s worst urban air quality challenges.
Why has Delhi’s air quality worsened again?
The pollution levels in Delhi spiked sharply over the past few days due to multiple factors, stagnant weather conditions, vehicular emissions, dust, and stubble burning in neighbouring states. According to data recorded on Tuesday and Wednesday morning, Delhi’s overall AQI remained in the severe range, indicating that the air is unsafe even for healthy individuals.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) responded by enforcing Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the entire National Capital Region (NCR). This stage is invoked when the AQI crosses 400, signalling hazardous pollution levels that demand immediate restrictions.
What restrictions come under GRAP Stage III?
Under GRAP Stage III, a complete ban has been placed on construction and demolition activities in the NCR region, except for essential public projects like railways, metro, airports, and hospitals. Other emergency steps include intensified road sweeping, water sprinkling to control dust, and restrictions on diesel generator use (except for emergency services).
Authorities have also been asked to monitor hotspots of pollution and ensure strict enforcement of anti-smog measures.
Why are schools up to class 5 shifting to hybrid mode?
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that schools up to class 5 will switch to hybrid mode, allowing both online and physical classes. This decision comes as young children are among the most vulnerable to air pollution.
Addressing a press conference, CM Gupta said, “GRAP 3 has been imposed and all safety measures have been taken. Schools up to class 5 will be conducted in hybrid mode, online and physical.”
She added that the government has been working closely with multiple departments to ensure children’s safety and improve air quality across the city.
What steps is the Delhi government taking to fight pollution?
CM Gupta assured residents that her government has been taking proactive measures for months to control air pollution. She said efforts such as mechanised sweeping, water sprinkling, dust suppression, garbage removal, and monitoring of pollution hotspots are being carried out with full sincerity.
“The surrounding cities of Delhi have a huge impact on pollution. The measures the Delhi government is taking are being done with complete sincerity. Be it water sprinklers, dust mitigation, or smoke control, we are working with all our might,” she said.
The Chief Minister also mentioned that local authorities have been instructed to document “before and after” visuals of garbage removal and cleanliness drives to ensure accountability.
Was there a glitch in Delhi’s air quality data?
Addressing concerns about a brief technical issue with AQI data display, CM Gupta clarified that the lapse was not Delhi-specific.
“The readings weren’t available for five or six hours due to a national-level issue. Delhi’s data remained accurate and visible during that time. The government is vigilant about every measure and ensuring full transparency,” she stated.
What lies ahead for Delhi?
As the capital continues to struggle with rising pollution every winter, the government is urging residents to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, use public transport, and follow pollution-control advisories. Experts say weather conditions may improve marginally in the coming days, but sustained efforts are crucial to ensure long-term relief.
Delhi’s recurring air crisis once again highlights the need for regional cooperation among neighbouring states, stricter vehicle emission norms, and large-scale green initiatives to combat one of the world’s worst urban air quality challenges.
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