Just days before the festive celebrations of Diwali, Delhi's air quality has taken a severe hit, pushing authorities to implement immediate emergency measures. The Capital's skies have turned hazy as pollution levels crossed the 'poor' category threshold, triggering the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage 2 restrictions.
What Triggered the Emergency Response?
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) swung into action after Delhi's average Air Quality Index (AQI) plummeted to 248, firmly placing it in the 'poor' category. This pre-Diwali deterioration has raised alarm bells among environmental experts and health professionals alike.
Immediate Measures Under GRAP Stage 2
The invoked restrictions include:
- Complete ban on construction and demolition activities across Delhi-NCR
- Enhanced parking fees to discourage private vehicle usage
- Increased frequency of CNG buses and metro services
- Stringent enforcement of pollution control norms at industrial sites
- Regular mechanized cleaning and water sprinkling on roads
The Diwali Factor: A Looming Threat
With Diwali celebrations approaching, authorities are particularly concerned about the potential surge in pollution levels. The combination of firecracker emissions, existing vehicular pollution, and unfavorable meteorological conditions could create a perfect storm for Delhi's air quality.
Environmental experts warn that without strict adherence to pollution control measures, the city might witness a repeat of previous years when AQI levels crossed the 'severe' category mark during the festive period.
Long-term Solutions in Focus
While emergency measures provide temporary relief, the CAQM emphasizes the need for sustained efforts. The focus remains on addressing fundamental pollution sources including vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and cross-state agricultural burning that significantly impacts Delhi's air quality during this season.
The implementation of GRAP Stage 2 serves as a crucial warning system, urging citizens and authorities to work collectively in preventing further deterioration of Delhi's already fragile air quality.
