Delhi’s Air Quality Plummets to ‘Severe’ Category
Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has surged past 400, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to implement Stage 3 of GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan). The city faces stringent curbs as toxic smog blankets the capital, raising health concerns and disrupting daily life.
Why GRAP Stage 3 Was Activated
The CAQM enforced Stage 3 after Delhi’s average AQI breached 401, signaling a severe deterioration. Key measures include:
– Ban on construction/demolition (except essential projects like highways, hospitals).
– Closure of stone crushers and mining in NCR.
– Restrictions on BS-III petrol & BS-IV diesel vehicles.
– Heavy penalties for waste burning and dust violations.
Poor wind speed, dropping temperatures, and stubble burning in Punjab-Haryana have worsened the crisis.
Health Risks: A Silent Emergency
Medical experts warn of dire health impacts:
– Short-term effects: Coughing, throat irritation, asthma attacks.
– Long-term risks: Lung damage, heart disease, reduced lifespan.
Hospitals report rising cases of bronchitis and COPD. Dr. Arvind Kumar states, “Breathing Delhi’s air equals smoking 25 cigarettes a day.”
Public Outcry and Implementation Hurdles
- Daily wage workers face job losses due to construction bans.
- Commuters struggle with BS-III/IV vehicle restrictions.
- Activists criticize GRAP as a reactive measure, demanding proactive policies.
Next Steps: Will Stage 4 Be Triggered?
If AQI exceeds 450, stricter measures may follow:
– Diesel truck bans (excluding essentials).
– Odd-even schemes or work-from-home orders.
Long-Term Fixes for Delhi’s Pollution
Experts urge systemic reforms:
1. Year-round pollution control, not seasonal reactions.
2. Stricter industrial emission norms.
3. Faster adoption of EVs and public transport.
4. Sustainable stubble management with neighboring states.
Conclusion
GRAP Stage 3 offers temporary relief, but Delhi needs lasting solutions to combat its annual pollution nightmare. Residents are advised to use masks, avoid outdoor activities, and monitor AQI updates.
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