Air Quality in New Delhi Hits ‘Very Poor’ Levels on Diwali Eve; Grap-2 Measures Enforced
New Delhi has experienced a significant decline in air quality, reaching ‘very poor’ levels the day before Diwali. In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap) to address the worsening conditions.
Graded Response Action Plan Measures Enforced
Stage 2 of the Grap includes several restrictions aimed at improving air quality across the National Capital Region (NCR). The key measures are as follows:
- Prohibition on the use of diesel generators across the NCR.
- Ban on interstate buses entering Delhi unless powered by electricity, CNG, or BS-VI diesel.
Current Air Quality Status
As of Sunday evening, New Delhi’s average air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 296, indicating it was nearing the ‘poor’ category. By 7 PM that evening, the AQI had risen to 302, officially categorizing it as ‘very poor’. Forecasts suggest that air quality could deteriorate further to ‘severe’ levels by Tuesday due to inclement weather and air pollution caused by firecrackers.
Forecast for Diwali and Beyond
On Diwali, air quality is anticipated to worsen significantly. Analysts predict that the impact of emissions from firecrackers will remain in the atmosphere for most of the week. With expected calm winds, no immediate improvement is likely until at least Friday.
Public Concerns and Sentiments
As air quality continues to decline, there are growing public concerns regarding the environmental impact of firecrackers during the festival. A poll suggests that many citizens are questioning whether firecrackers should be banned to facilitate better air quality.
With the situation growing more severe, authorities and residents alike are urged to stay vigilant about air quality and take necessary precautions throughout the festive season.
