Here Is Why GRAP Stage-3 Restrictions Are Not Implemented In Delhi As Air Quality Turns Severe
There is no let off from the toxic air pollution for the residents of New Delhi as the air quality is set to turn severe again on Tuesday.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi stood at 356 at 4 pm on Monday and it predicted the AIQ to deteriorate to the 'severe' category (AQI above 400) on Tuesday.
Delhi's AQI to turn severe
According to the IMD and the IITM, the projected dip in air quality on Tuesday is "likely for a short duration".
The AQI will return to the 'very poor' category due to a slight improvement in meteorological conditions, including gusty wind and rain, it said.
An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.
Three severe air quality days last week
Last week the 24-hour AQI of Delhi had breached the 400-mark three times, and despite this the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) had decided not to implement curbs under Stage III of the Centre's Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to control air pollution.
GRAP Stage-3 restrictions
Even on Monday, after the forecast predicted the AQI to turn severe, the CAQM decided not to introduce strict restrictions a ban on non-essential construction work and the plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi-NCR.
Construction work related to national security or defence, projects of national importance, health care, railways, metro rail, airports, interstate bus terminals, highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission, pipelines, sanitation and water supply are exempt from the ban.
GRAP, implemented in the region during the winter season, actions in four stages: Stage I - 'Poor' (AQI 201-300); Stage II - 'Very Poor' (AQI 301-400); Stage III - 'Severe' (AQI 401-450); and Stage IV - 'Severe Plus' (AQI above 450).
Why no GRAP Stage-3 in Delhi
Last week the CAQM said that the air quality would improve soon while taking a wait-and-watch approach to implementing GRAP Stage -3.
On Monday also the CAQM sub-committee pointed out that if the AQI turns severe on Tuesday it will be for a short duration and will improve to very poor, later in the day.
What is behind Delhi's air pollution
According to experts, one major factor contributing to the poor air quality in Delhi during the winter months is temperature inversion.
"The city often experiences temperature inversions, where a layer of warm air traps cooler air close to the ground. This phenomenon hampers the dispersion of pollutants, leading to their accumulation in the atmosphere. As a result, PM 2.5 levels surge, causing respiratory concerns for the city's residents and the levels have not come down below 350," said environmentalist Chandraveer Singh.
Experts also hold the high population density and increasing vehicular traffic in Delhi as contributing significantly to air pollution.
"Vehicle emissions release a cocktail of pollutants, including particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide. Industrial activities in and around the city play a role in deteriorating air quality. Stricter measures may be necessary to curb emissions from these sources," said Singh.
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