Air Pollution Record Set in Delhi: AQI Reaches 350, Breathing Becomes Difficult

The air pollution problem has flared up again in the Delhi-NCR region, as air quality in the capital and surrounding cities reached the 'Very Poor' category. On Tuesday morning, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi-NCR was recorded at 334. Consequently, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) immediately implemented Phase Two of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-2) for the entire NCR.

Due to adverse weather conditions, relief from pollution is unlikely in the coming days. As a result, control measures will be intensified, including street cleaning, water spraying, and monitoring of vehicles and industries.

Pollution levels in Delhi have sharply increased over the last two days. On October 31, the AQI in the capital was 117, which falls into the moderate category. Then, on November 1, the index rose to 261, moving the air into the 'Poor' category. On Monday, November 2, at 4:00 PM, an AQI of 324 was registered, placing the air in the 'Very Poor' category. On Tuesday morning, air quality did not improve but worsened further.

The Commission for Air Quality Management attributed the rise in pollution to unfavorable meteorological conditions. According to the commission, the AQI may remain in the 'Very Poor' category in the following days. Forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) also show no signs of air quality improvement currently.

With the implementation of GRAP-2, numerous measures to prevent pollution in Delhi-NCR will be accelerated. The Commission has directed all relevant agencies to strictly adhere to the rules of GRAP Phase One and Phase Two. Under these measures, municipal bodies are instructed to increase mechanized street sweeping, regularly spray water to prevent dust rise, and use anti-smog cannons as necessary. Proper collection and disposal of construction debris generated during demolition and construction, along with household waste, must also be ensured. Measures will be taken against those who burn garbage in the open ground.

Special attention is being paid to road traffic to reduce pollution levels. The presence of traffic police officers has been increased at major intersections and busy streets to avoid congestion. Since smoke from cars stuck in traffic also increases pollution, the focus is on maintaining smooth traffic flow. Furthermore, checks on vehicle Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates have been tightened. Action is being taken against vehicles that emit excessive smoke. Restrictions applicable to older petrol and diesel vehicles are being strictly enforced.

Under GRAP-2, control over industrial units, brick kilns, and power plants has also been strengthened. Personnel have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with pollution control rules by these establishments and to use only approved fuel. Hotels, restaurants, and street food stalls are also under surveillance. They have been directed to stop using coal and wood in tandoors and switch to electrically or gas-powered equipment.

GRAP, or Graded Response Action Plan, is an emergency measure to combat pollution. Various levels of restrictions and control measures are introduced depending on the deterioration of air quality. GRAP-1 is applied when the AQI is between 201 and 300, considered a poor category. GRAP-2 is introduced when the AQI is between 301 and 400, corresponding to the 'Very Poor' category. GRAP-3 is applied when the AQI is between 401 and 450, called the critical category. GRAP-4 is activated when the AQI exceeds 450.

The Commission for Air Quality Management made amendments to the GRAP rules in September. These changes extended the scope of certain restrictions for vehicles operating during GRAP-3 to Sonipat in Haryana state. Previously, these restrictions for light motor vehicles of BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel or older were applicable in Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar. After the amendment, Sonipat was also included in this list. Currently, the administration has directed an intensification of monitoring and pollution control measures in Delhi-NCR considering the weather conditions.

Following the Dasara festival, pollution levels in the Delhi-NCR region significantly increased, reaching hazardous levels. The Air Quality Index (AQI) surpassed the mark of 300 due to smoke from fireworks and stubble burning.

To stabilize the situation, GRAP 1 restrictions were implemented, which prohibit construction work and open waste burning. According to meteorological service forecasts, the situation may worsen in the coming days.