Despite the implementation of Stage-IV restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), Delhi residents continue to struggle with hazardous air quality, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of current pollution control measures.
What is GRAP-IV and Why Was It Activated?
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked the Graded Response Action Plan's most severe stage on November 3, following a sharp deterioration in air quality conditions across the National Capital Region. This decision came as the air quality index entered the 'severe' category, triggering automatic responses under the established protocol.
The CAQM specifically cited "unfavorable meteorological conditions and a sharp rise in farm fires" as the primary drivers behind the dangerous air pollution levels. The implementation followed the central pollution control panel's standard operating procedure for addressing such environmental emergencies.
Key Restrictions Under GRAP-IV
The Stage-IV measures include some of the toughest anti-pollution actions available to authorities. Among the most significant restrictions is a complete ban on construction and demolition activities across the entire NCR, with limited exemptions for essential projects.
All types of construction work have been prohibited, including both public and private projects, regardless of their nature or scale. The only exceptions apply to crucial infrastructure projects and non-polluting activities such as plumbing, interior decoration, electrical work, and carpentry.
Additional measures include restricting the entry of trucks into Delhi, with exceptions only for those carrying essential commodities or providing vital services. The rules also ban the operation of medium and heavy goods vehicles registered outside Delhi, with similar exemptions for essential supplies.
The Ongoing Air Quality Crisis
Despite these stringent measures, air quality monitoring data reveals a troubling picture. On Monday, the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 346 at 4 pm, maintaining its position in the 'very poor' category and dangerously close to the 'severe' classification that begins at 401.
The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) reported that farm fire-related emissions contributed approximately 14% to Delhi's PM2.5 concentration on the same day. This significant contribution from agricultural burning continues to undermine local pollution control efforts.
Meteorological conditions have played a crucial role in the persistent pollution. Calm winds and low temperatures have created conditions that trap pollutants close to the ground, preventing their dispersion and leading to accumulated pollution levels that continue to endanger public health.
Implementation Challenges and Public Response
The ongoing air quality crisis despite GRAP-IV restrictions highlights significant implementation challenges. The persistence of farm fires in neighboring states, particularly Punjab, remains a major contributing factor that Delhi authorities cannot directly control.
Environmental experts point to several systemic issues that undermine pollution control efforts. These include inadequate enforcement of existing regulations, continued operation of some polluting vehicles, and the difficulty in completely stopping all construction activities across the vast NCR region.
Public health professionals have expressed growing concern about the long-term exposure of Delhi residents to hazardous air. The continued 'very poor' air quality, despite the toughest restrictions available, suggests that more comprehensive and coordinated action is needed across northern Indian states.
The situation underscores the complex nature of air pollution management in the region, where local measures alone may be insufficient without addressing trans-boundary pollution sources and ensuring stricter implementation of all prescribed measures.
