Air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) has seen significant improvement according to the latest Delhi Pollution News. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has scrapped Stages 3 and 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This decision followed the Supreme Court noting that the Air Quality Index (AQI) has not exceeded 300 since Nov 30.
Delhi Pollution News provides the lifting of restrictions at lower levels and some control on background. The Supreme Court, with Justice Abhay S Oka, approved the relaxation, however also advised against lowering the limit after Stage 2. Stage 3 and 4 controls, such as banning diesel vehicles and construction, will not continue.
However, GRAP Stage 1 and 2 interventions, which have included, coal-fired tandoor and diesel generator restrictions (with restricted exemptions for essential services) are still in place. This update highlights the preventive conservative stance to prevent the escalation of pollution levels. CAQM for the sake of clarification has clarified that if AQI values increase the stricter air quality control will be reinstated.
Delhi Pollution News: Decline in AQI Reported
GRAP Stage 3 would continue under an Air Quality Index level (AQI) of 350 (and higher) and Stage 4 interventions would be implemented under an AQI level of 400 (and higher). The recent decline in AQI has been primarily caused by wet weather and strong winds. Delhi Pollution News presents the delicate balance of opening up lockdown restrictions and preserving air quality to not be led into worse circumstances.
Pollution in Delhi has persisted afterward since early October when the Air Quality Index (AIQ) became a “very poor” value. Conditions also deteriorated in November across many areas with levels higher than 400. However, December brought relief as air quality improved significantly.
CAQM observed that the prolonged restrictions were affecting the livelihood, which led to the Supreme Court approval for hybrid measures, which include features of Stages 2 and 3. Delhi Pollution News highlights the necessity of solutions that are sustainable for sustained improvements.
Also, see: Winter in India: How to protect yourself from allergies and smog?