Despite the removal of Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan, Delhi's air quality continues to remain in the 'very poor' category, causing concern among residents and authorities alike. The Commission for Air Quality Management made the decision to withdraw stricter measures a day earlier, but the anticipated improvement has failed to materialize.
Current Air Quality Situation
The capital city recorded an overall Air Quality Index of 346 on Tuesday, firmly placing it in the 'very poor' category according to monitoring agencies. The Air Quality Index ranged between 321 and 346 across different monitoring stations, indicating consistently poor air quality throughout the city. Meteorological conditions have not been favorable for dispersion of pollutants, contributing to the persistent pollution levels.
Monitoring stations at Jahangirpuri and Wazirpur reported some of the highest pollution levels in the city. The continuous deterioration in air quality has raised questions about the effectiveness of pollution control measures and the timing of restriction relaxations.
GRAP Measures and Their Impact
The Commission for Air Quality Management had implemented Stage III of GRAP on December 22 when air quality entered the 'severe' category. These measures included banning construction and demolition activities, except for essential projects, and restrictions on the operation of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles. The decision to withdraw these restrictions came after some improvement in air quality parameters.
However, environmental experts have expressed concern that the withdrawal might have been premature. The sub-committee decided to revoke Stage III after reviewing the improvement in AQI and considering forecasts from meteorological and air quality agencies. The commission continues to invoke Stages I and II of GRAP, which include less stringent measures.
Future Projections and Concerns
According to the Early Warning System for Delhi, the air quality is likely to remain in the 'very poor' category for the next few days. The forecast suggests that from December 28 to 30, the AQI may deteriorate further, potentially touching the 'severe' category if conditions worsen. This prediction has put authorities on alert, with the possibility of reimplementing stricter measures if necessary.
The India Meteorological Department has indicated that wind speed and direction are not favorable for pollutant dispersion, which could lead to further accumulation of harmful particles in the atmosphere. The combination of local emissions and meteorological factors continues to challenge pollution control efforts in the national capital region.
Residents, particularly those with respiratory conditions, have been advised to take necessary precautions and limit outdoor activities during peak pollution hours. The situation underscores the ongoing battle against air pollution in one of the world's most populated cities.
