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GRAP-1 imposed in Delhi-NCR (Img: Internet)
New Delhi: Authorities have once again enforced Stage-1 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR after the region’s air quality slipped into the “poor” category amid an ongoing spell of extreme summer heat.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) announced the decision after Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 208 on Monday. According to officials, weather forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) suggest that pollution levels are likely to remain elevated over the next few days.
Why is Delhi so hot right now? Capital braces for 46°C amid dry and hazy conditions
The return of pollution-control measures comes as large parts of North India continue to reel under severe heatwave conditions. Temperatures in Delhi have already crossed 40 degrees Celsius, while several areas are expected to experience temperatures close to 45°C in the coming days.
The IMD has warned that daytime temperatures across many states are currently 5 to 6 degrees above normal. Banda in Uttar Pradesh recorded one of the highest temperatures in the country at 46.4°C. Officials say the combination of stagnant weather conditions and intense heat has contributed to the deterioration in air quality.
Under Stage-1 of GRAP, multiple agencies across Delhi-NCR have been directed to intensify anti-pollution measures. These include stricter road dust management, regular water sprinkling, improved traffic regulation, and tighter monitoring of pollution sources.
Authorities have also urged citizens to follow advisories aimed at reducing exposure to polluted air and preventing further environmental stress. The CAQM said all implementing agencies have been asked to maintain strict vigilance to ensure that the AQI does not deteriorate further.
UP Heatwave Alert! Orange alert warning issued for 22 districts, Severe heat to continue for a week
The IMD has issued orange and yellow alerts for several states, warning of continuing heatwave conditions between May 18 and May 24. The alerts cover Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana and parts of Andhra Pradesh.
Health experts have cautioned that prolonged exposure to high temperatures and poor air quality could increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and respiratory complications, especially among children, senior citizens and people with existing health conditions.
