The air quality in Delhi has shown significant improvement, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) rising to 186 on Friday morning from 161 on Thursday, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Falling in the “moderate” category for the third consecutive day, the improved air quality has prompted authorities to ease stringent pollution control measures under Stages III and IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap).
Air Quality Trends Across Delhi
Delhi’s air quality improvement to the “moderate” category from “poor” is expected to sustain for the next two to three days, as per forecasts. At 8 am on Friday, AQI readings at several locations indicated a positive trend:
- ITO: 182
- Chandni Chowk: 122
- Major Dhyan Chand Stadium: 169
- Patparganj: 194
- Mandir Marg: 162
However, some areas remain in the “poor” category, including:
- Anand Vihar: 245
- Vivek Vihar: 204
- Sonia Vihar: 205
- Nehru Nagar: 235
While the majority of Delhi has experienced moderate air quality, these pockets of poor air remain a concern, highlighting the city’s ongoing struggle with pollution.
Easing of Restrictions Under Grap
The Centre’s air quality panel for Delhi-NCR announced the easing of restrictions under Stages III and IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap) in light of the improved air quality. Measures were scaled back to Stage II, which involves less severe pollution controls. Stage II restrictions include:
- Ban on Coal and Firewood: Industries, commercial establishments, and eateries are prohibited from using coal and firewood.
- Stricter Fuel Norms: Emphasis on cleaner fuel usage in industries.
Stages III and IV, which impose more stringent curbs, had included:
- Restrictions on Trucks: Entry of non-essential goods trucks unless they run on CNG, LNG, or BS-VI diesel.
- Ban on Diesel Vehicles: Diesel-powered medium and heavy goods vehicles, except for essential services, were prohibited.
- Halting Construction: All construction and demolition activities, including public infrastructure projects like highways and flyovers, were suspended.
These restrictions were initially enforced to curb pollution levels during severe air quality episodes.
Supreme Court Endorsement and Monitoring
The Supreme Court allowed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to scale down Grap-IV restrictions to Stage II due to the improvement in air quality. The court observed that AQI levels in the National Capital Region (NCR) had not exceeded 300 in the past four days, a significant improvement from earlier readings.
However, the court instructed that stricter measures be reinstated if pollution levels worsen:
- Stage III: To be reintroduced if AQI surpasses 350.
- Stage IV: To be imposed if AQI crosses 400.
This dynamic approach ensures that pollution controls are proportional to the prevailing air quality.
What Improved Delhi’s Air Quality?
Several factors have contributed to the recent improvement in Delhi’s air quality:
- Weather Conditions: Favourable meteorological conditions, including improved wind speeds, have helped disperse pollutants.
- Pollution Control Measures: Implementation of Grap stages and curbs on industrial and vehicular emissions have played a critical role.
- Public Awareness: Increased awareness and compliance with pollution norms among residents and industries have also contributed to the better air quality.
Future Outlook
With AQI levels in the “moderate” range and predictions of sustained improvement over the next few days, Delhi residents are experiencing some relief from the hazardous pollution levels typical of winter months. However, pockets of poor air quality serve as a reminder that the problem is far from resolved.
As pollution levels fluctuate, authorities and residents must remain vigilant. Continued enforcement of measures under Grap and adherence to clean air practices will be essential to ensure long-term improvement in Delhi’s air quality.
The improvement in Delhi’s air quality, marked by a rise in AQI to 186, has led to the easing of Grap-III and IV restrictions. While this signals progress, the city must remain cautious and adaptive, as pockets of poor air quality persist. The dynamic approach of scaling restrictions based on AQI levels, coupled with sustained efforts in pollution control, will be key to achieving cleaner air and improving the quality of life for Delhi’s residents.