The air quality in Delhi stayed in the ‘severe’ category for the fourth consecutive day on Saturday, with smog continuing to blanket the city. According to the Sameer app by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 404 at 6 am on Saturday. In response, authorities have ramped up measures to tackle the hazardous pollution levels.
Stage III GRAP Measures Rolled Out to Combat Pollution
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Thursday, which took effect on Friday morning. Under this stage, the Delhi government has imposed several restrictions: banning private BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles, prohibiting the entry of interstate non-electric and non-CNG buses, limiting certain construction activities, and implementing staggered office timings for government employees.
Under the government order, violators will be prosecuted under Section 194(1) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and will face a fine of Rs 20,000.
The pollution crisis extends beyond the capital, affecting the National Capital Region (NCR) as well. Ghaziabad recorded an AQI of 348, Noida at 320, Gurugram at 289, and Greater Noida at 253, indicating ‘very poor’ to ‘poor’ air quality levels.
On Friday morning, Delhi’s AQI was at a severe 411, but a slight improvement was seen by 4 pm as wind speeds increased, bringing the 24-hour average AQI down to 396, categorized as ‘very poor.’ Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai expressed optimism, stating that conditions could improve further with higher wind speeds expected on Saturday.
Chief Minister Atishi announced staggered office timings to alleviate traffic congestion, which contributes to pollution. Central government offices will operate from 9 am to 5.30 pm, Delhi government offices from 10 am to 6.30 pm, and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) offices from 8.30 am to 5 pm. The new schedule will remain in effect until February 2025, as approved by Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena.
With pollution levels still alarmingly high, authorities continue to urge residents to minimize outdoor activities and adhere to the imposed restrictions.