Pollution levels in Delhi-NCR, which had crossed the 500-mark earlier this week, have started to decrease, signaling that the stringent GRAP IV measures are beginning to take effect. According to officials, the Air Quality Index (AQI) — a measure of air pollution — dropped from 500 to 467 on Tuesday, indicating a slight improvement in the city’s air quality.
Arvind Nautiyal, Member-Secretary of the Commission for Air Quality Management, spoke to NDTV and confirmed that the reduction in AQI was due to the implementation of GRAP-IV measures. “Today, visibility has improved. There has been some change in the weather, but the pollution has reduced due to GRAP-IV,” Nautiyal said.
Pollution Levels Remain High, But Show Signs of Improvement
The pollution levels had surged dramatically on Monday, with AQI levels reaching 500 in some areas, indicating severe air pollution. The situation remained dire in the early hours of Tuesday, with Delhi’s overall AQI recorded at 494 at 6 am, which fell in the “severe plus” category.
“The pollution level had increased significantly across the city… and the AQI had reached close to 500,” Nautiyal said. “We have 40 pollution monitoring centers in Delhi-NCR that help track the levels in real-time.”
The sudden spike in pollution levels, which increased by 90 points in just one day, caught authorities by surprise. The unusual winter smog hit the capital much earlier than expected, prompting the immediate implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-IV).
GRAP-IV Measures Implemented
GRAP-IV measures, which were activated in response to the deteriorating air quality, include halting construction activities, restricting the entry of heavy vehicles registered outside Delhi, and shifting schools to online classes. These steps have had a measurable impact, but authorities are also exploring additional measures.
In the coming days, Delhi is considering cloud seeding to induce artificial rain in a bid to clear the air. There is also discussion about reintroducing the odd-even road rationing scheme and encouraging work-from-home policies for offices in an effort to reduce pollution.
Forecast for the Coming Days
The meteorological department has predicted that the weather will improve in the coming days, which will help in further reducing pollution levels. Nautiyal expressed optimism that the effects of GRAP-IV would become more pronounced as weather conditions stabilize.
The early onset of winter smog has been a cause for concern, as pollution levels typically worsen in December and January. However, with the quick action taken by authorities, there is hope that the situation may improve in the coming days.
Looking Ahead
As Delhi grapples with this pollution crisis, officials are preparing to take further steps if necessary. With GRAP-IV measures showing early signs of success, the city remains focused on tackling air quality issues and safeguarding the health of its residents.
Sources By Agencies