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Delhi-NCR’s air is getting worse by the hour. With AQI rising sharply and forecasts warning of ‘severe’ pollution, authorities have triggered GRAP-3 curbs across the region. What conditions pushed officials to act now?
The AQI in Delhi was recorded at 343 on Thursday at 4 pm
New Delhi: With the national capital's air quality slipping into the ‘very poor’ category and showing signs of further deterioration, authorities have enforced Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the entire National Capital Region (NCR).
According to official data, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi stood at 343 at 4 pm on Thursday, already placing it in the ‘very poor’ category. The situation worsened on Friday, with the AQI rising to 354 at 4 pm. By 6:30 pm on Friday, the AQI was recorded at 350, indicating a consistent upward trend in pollution levels.
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The decision to invoke GRAP Stage 3 measures was taken by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) after reviewing weather forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). The forecasts warned of conditions that could significantly aggravate pollution levels in the coming days.
Experts pointed to slow wind speeds, a stable atmosphere, unfavourable weather parameters, and poor dispersion of pollutants as key factors contributing to the worsening air quality. Forecasts suggested that if these conditions persist, the average AQI in Delhi could breach the 400 mark, pushing it into the ‘severe’ category.
Calling the move a “proactive measure”, the CAQM said that the enforcement of Stage 3 curbs aims to prevent further deterioration in air quality. These measures come in addition to the actions already in force under GRAP Stages I and II.
The commission also directed NCR Pollution Control Boards and concerned agencies to intensify preventive actions across the region. Authorities have been instructed to strictly monitor compliance and ensure that all measures are implemented effectively.
With pollution levels remaining high, residents have been advised to limit outdoor activities, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or cardiac conditions. Experts recommend using masks, air purifiers indoors, and following health advisories issued by authorities.
As winter approaches and meteorological conditions remain unfavourable, officials have cautioned that strict implementation of GRAP measures will be crucial to prevent the air quality from slipping into the ‘severe’ zone.
