Delhi air pollution: Why Delhi is not implementing GRAP 3 amid 'severe' AQI?
Delhi air pollution: Delhi's air quality remained 'severe' for the second day in a row on Thursday, with low wind speed resulting in a thick fog cover across the national capital. However, Environment Minister Gopal Rai affirmed that the third phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP 3) will not be implemented at this point.
"For the first time this season, Delhi's AQI has risen beyond 400 during the last two days. Many people are wondering why the AQI, which had been in the 'poor' or very poor' category since October 14, has suddenly risen to the severe category. Meteorologists said that snowfall in the mountains caused a dip in Delhi's temperature. As a result, dry conditions have arisen in the mornings and evenings across North India," Rai explained.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) was 428 at 9 a.m., putting it in the 'severe' category. Of Delhi's 39 monitoring stations, 32 registered AQI levels greater than 400, including Anand Vihar, IGI Airport, Mandir Marg, and Patparganj. This is Delhi's worst air quality rating of the season, and the highest in the country, with a 24-hour AQI of 418 on Wednesday, up from 334 the day before.
"There is a possibility that pollution levels could improve starting tomorrow, thus Grap 3 would not be applied in Delhi. Today, we are once again instructing that the guidelines imposed by Grap 2 be followed on the ground so that Grap 3 does not have to be implemented. If pollution remains at the 'severe' level, the Delhi government will make all necessary efforts and collaborate with the people of Delhi," Rai added.
- PTC NEWS
