On Monday, the Central government opted not to implement stricter measures to combat pollution in Delhi-NCR, despite the anticipated shift to 'severe' air quality on January 30. This marks the third occasion since January 24 that the central government has chosen not to enforce disruptive measures to address air pollution.
As of 4 pm on Monday, the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 356. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), the AQI is expected to enter the 'severe' category (AQI above 400) on Tuesday.
Under Stage III of the Centre’s Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), if the AQI surpasses 400, Delhi-NCR authorities must implement stricter restrictions to control air pollution. Despite this, the Central Authority for Quality Management (CAQM) sub-committee for operationalization of GRAP held an emergency meeting on Monday and determined that the projected dip in air quality on Tuesday is likely to be of short duration.
The committee cited a temporary improvement in meteorological conditions, including gusty winds and rain, which will lead to the AQI returning to the 'very poor' category. Consequently, the committee decided not to invoke Stage III of GRAP at this stage.
Stage III restrictions include a ban on non-essential construction work and the operation of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi-NCR. Certain construction activities related to national security, defense, healthcare, transportation, and essential infrastructure are exempt from the ban.
GRAP, implemented during the winter season, comprises four stages: Stage I – ‘Poor’ (AQI 201-300); Stage II – ‘Very Poor’ (AQI 301-400); Stage III – ‘Severe’ (AQI 401-450); and Stage IV – ‘Severe Plus’ (AQI above 450).
(With Agency Inputs)
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