New Delhi: Delhi’s air quality situation has deteriorated further, triggering serious concerns of an imminent slide into the ‘Severe’ category. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Thursday said the Air Quality Index (AQI) of the national capital has shown a steady upward trend over the last 24 hours, rising from 343 at 4 pm on January 15 to 354 at 4 pm on Thursday.
According to forecasts issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), unfavourable meteorological conditions are likely to persist over the coming days. Officials warned that slow wind speeds, a stable atmospheric layer, poor dispersion of pollutants and other adverse weather parameters could push Delhi’s average AQI beyond the 400 mark, placing it firmly in the ‘Severe’ category.
GRAP Stage-III Measures Invoked Across NCR
In view of the worsening air quality trend and the forecasts indicating further deterioration, the CAQM Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has decided to invoke all measures under Stage-III of GRAP, which corresponds to ‘Severe’ air quality conditions (AQI between 401 and 450). These measures have been implemented with immediate effect across the entire National Capital Region (NCR) as a preventive step to curb further escalation of pollution levels.
Authorities clarified that the Stage-III restrictions will be enforced in addition to the measures already in place under Stages I and II of GRAP, which continue to remain operational throughout the NCR. Together, these actions are aimed at addressing pollution from multiple sources and limiting further accumulation of particulate matter in the air.
Stricter Controls and Intensified Enforcement
Under Stage-III of GRAP, authorities are expected to implement stricter controls on major pollution sources, enhance monitoring mechanisms and intensify enforcement drives. The CAQM has directed NCR Pollution Control Boards and other concerned agencies to escalate both preventive and regulatory measures to check rising pollution levels.
Officials have been asked to ensure strict compliance with GRAP norms, including swift action against violators contributing to air pollution. Enforcement agencies have also been instructed to maintain heightened vigilance and coordination to ensure effective implementation of the measures on the ground.
Situation Under Close Watch
The CAQM said the air quality situation will be closely monitored on a real-time basis, and further decisions will be taken depending on AQI trends and evolving meteorological conditions. Authorities have urged citizens to cooperate with restrictions and follow official advisories, including reducing unnecessary travel, avoiding open burning and limiting activities that contribute to air pollution.
With winter weather conditions continuing to hinder pollutant dispersion, officials cautioned that public cooperation and strict enforcement will be critical in preventing Delhi’s air quality from slipping deeper into the ‘Severe’ zone in the days ahead.
