Delhi’s Air Crisis Worsens as GRAP-III Fails to Tame Toxic Smog
New Delhi, November 10, 2023 – Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) stubbornly stayed in the ‘Severe’ category despite Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) being enforced. Wazirpur, a notorious industrial zone, recorded a hazardous AQI of 450+, intensifying health fears and scrutiny over anti-pollution measures.
Why GRAP-III Restrictions Are Falling Short
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented GRAP-III this week, banning construction, diesel generators, and polluting vehicles. Yet, Delhi’s average AQI persisted at 420–450, with these steps dwarfed by:
– Stubble burning: NASA’s FIRMS detected 3,000+ farm fires in Punjab in 48 hours.
– Vehicular emissions: Contributing ~28% to PM2.5 levels (DPCC data).
– Local industries: Unregulated units in hotspots like Wazirpur.
Expert Take: “GRAP-III tackles symptoms, not sources. Without addressing farm fires and year-round emissions, relief is fleeting,” says environmentalist Vimlendu Jha.
Wazirpur: Delhi’s Pollution Epicenter
Wazirpur’s AQI (450+) surpassed even 2022 peaks, with residents reporting:
– Health impacts: 30% rise in asthma/COPD cases (local clinics).
– Visibility: Dropped to <500 meters, disrupting traffic.
– Public anger: “Masks and advisories won’t fix this,” fumes resident Neha Sharma.
Political Sparring vs. Supreme Court Warnings
- AAP vs. AAP: Delhi government blames Punjab’s stubble fires, while Punjab’s AAP leadership calls for central aid to farmers.
- BJP’s jab: Labels Delhi’s pollution fight as “photo ops, not policy.”
- SC intervention: Demands “concrete action” from CAQM within 24 hours.
GRAP-IV Looms as Smog Set to Linger
With stagnant winds forecasted, GRAP-IV—including odd-even schemes and stricter bans—may trigger if AQI stays >450 for 48+ hours.
Delhi’s Health Advisory: Key Steps
- Avoid outdoors, especially vulnerable groups.
- Use N95 masks (cloth masks ineffective against PM2.5).
- Monitor air purifiers (CADR ≥300 for 500 sq ft rooms).
Long-Term Fixes Experts Urge
- Farmers: Subsidize happy seeders to replace stubble burning.
- Transport: Accelerate EV adoption and metro expansion.
- Industries: Enforce real-time emission monitoring.
“Crisis management won’t suffice. Delhi needs a 365-day clean air plan,” stresses CSE’s Anumita Roychowdhury.
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