Air quality in Delhi-NCR improves significantly; Lifts GRAP 3 restrictions
The Delhi-NCR region has officially lifted the GRAP Level 3 restrictions after the significant improvement in air pollution levels. Improvement in the air quality in the national capital and its neighboring areas has eased public health and environmental concerns.
There has been a steady decline in the Air Quality Index in Delhi, which has been hazardous for most of the winter, even as lifting of restrictions there continues. In its latest report, the air quality in the capital and surrounding regions has finally entered the “moderate” or “satisfactory” category; the authorities revised their assessment in light of those improvements.
The restrictions under GRAP 3 have been lifted with regard to the analysis of air quality, weather conditions, and overall pollution in Delhi and NCR. The AQI has fallen below the threshold of 300, which is the cutoff for imposing restrictions under GRAP Level 3, as stipulated by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The measures enforced under Level 3 have been relaxed due to improvement.
Under the Level 3 GRAP, strict measures were adopted to address pollution. Construction work was banned, and diesel generator sets were put under restriction, and vehicular movement, other than absolutely necessary one, was also suspended. It was all done to reduce the severe levels of air pollution that became an affair of routine in this area more so during winter months when atmospheric conditions trap pollutants and worsen the air quality.
Lifting of the restrictions would mean the return of the region to their activities slowly but cautioning from experts that this time might only be for some period, and things could deteriorate again into higher levels of pollution when weather changes or the controls are not maintained over time on the pollutants. The authorities have already sounded optimistic on the trend as the region embarks into a new year, but until now, they have yet to attain cleaner air.
Weather: This has been a significant contributing factor which, as of late, has resulted in the downtrend of air pollution levels. With reduced temperature accompanied by stronger winds, the dispersion of pollutants stuck above the area became easier. The count of stubble burning that has been one of the major sources of air pollution in the winter season witnessed mostly during the season of Delhi NCR decreased also.
Air quality improvement efforts with the reuse of GRAP Level 3 restrictions are welcome and a good move. However, this also reminds one of the long battle against air pollution in the region that is far from over. The authorities are now eyeing a closely monitored situation and will not hesitate to enforce more stringent restrictions if the air quality worsens again.
This recent past has well proved that Delhi-NCR is getting more and more in the clutches of increasing levels of air pollution during winter seasons since major pollutants of this region go hand in hand with vehicular emissions and other industrial activities apart from stubble burning in neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana. It has also been engaged in the curbing of pollution through measures to encourage clean fuel consumption, regulate industrial emissions, and encourage electric vehicle usage.
This aside, Delhi still faces high pollution levels, threatening the health of its people seriously. Air quality in the capital often hits hazardous levels during the colder months. For the region, air pollution is now ranked as one of the leading causes of health problems.
Conclusion:In fact, while GRAP 3 restrictions ease life for barely anybody, the government reminds everybody to look for long-term solutions toward air pollution issues. The government has been working on enhancing the measures of pollution control and encouraging sustainable practices to improve the environment in the long run. Another set of strategies used is public awareness programs regarding the need to check emission, sources of cleaner energy, and minimize the use of private transport, among others, for the control of air pollution in the region. The lifting of GRAP Level 3 restrictions is a big development, but it is evident that Delhi-NCR must continue to be watchful in its fight against air pollution. The government, environmental agencies, and citizens must collaborate to ensure that the air quality remains at safe levels throughout the year.
Source: Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)