Delhi fights with deteriorating air quality, thick fog, and severe cold as GRAP-3 curbs come into effect
Delhi air quality has sharply turned downwards with the Air Quality Index touching 357 on January 9. The Stage 3 restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) have had to be imposed again. Calm winds and dense fog are the two key reasons for this deterioration from an AQI of 297 on January 8, the Commission for Air Quality Management said.
The GRAP Stage 3 measures are to control the deteriorating situation and enforce the stop on the construction and demolition works, brick kilns, hot mix plants, among other stoppages. It had already withdrawn these measures on January 5 following improvements in the air quality as of this period but reinstated its implementation following the rising pollutants again in the air.
Fog and Cold Make Matters Worse
Thin-shrouded, as most of the National Capital remains to face relentless cold waves. IMI reported at 5oC in New Delhi on January 9 with a possible high of 21oC. It may well be for this reason, for persistent stagnant air discourages the dispersive action required to disperse pollutants.
IMD also said that the visibility has reduced in most parts of the city due to dense fog and it has made the travel quite tough. The temperature had dropped to 9.6°C on the morning of January 10. Meanwhile, the AQI hit 411 and entered the “severe” category.
Travel Disruptions in North India
Dense fog has caused massive disruptions in both train and flight operations across Delhi and other parts of North India:
Train Delay: Indian Railways has said that at least 26 trains going to Delhi on January 10 have been delayed due to poor visibility.
Flight Operations : Flight operations at IGI had been severely marred. On Friday morning more than 100 flights were held up, while only CAT III compliant aircraft could operate to land as well as to take off at IGI.
DIAL Delhi International Airport Ltd issued advisories on social media, asking passengers to check with their airlines for updated schedules. CAT III technology, which enabled flights to operate in low-visibility conditions, operated to reduce the degree of setbacks but could not avoid delays for flights without the equipment required.
Air Pollution Remains Severe
Re-imposition of GRAP-3 curbs reflects the seriousness of air pollution crisis in Delhi. The AQI remains in “very poor” and “severe” categories always in the winter season due to weather condition of stagnation, vehicular emission, and industrial activities .
Restrictions implemented through GRAP Stage 3 are :
Construction and demolition works are strictly prohibited except on some crucial projects of public interest like metro rail.
Firms are working with agro fuels that is illegal fuel.
Brick kilns, hot mix plants and stone crushers had been banned from their operations by the state government.
Even sterner for them, officials review stricter measures on pollution violation, such as the penalty to be given and to strengthen monitoring with more pollutants.
Deteriorating air quality has been documented as causing public health concern. Increased pollution across protracted durations poses the highest health risk through increased cases of respiratory and cardiovascular complications. The physicians are advising the residents to stay indoors more often, especially at early mornings and evenings when pollution is enhanced.
Schools and workplaces are also grappling with the challenges posed by pollution and cold weather, with some institutions considering hybrid or remote options to mitigate the impact on students and employees.
Efforts to Combat Pollution
Authorities are under increasing pressure to address the root causes of Delhi’s recurring pollution crisis. Potential solutions include:
Strengthening public transportation to reduce vehicular emissions.
Promoting the use of clean energy and sustainable fuels in industries.
Regional cooperation to check crop stubble burning in the neighboring states needs to be strengthened.
Experts argue that long-term measures, accompanied by strict enforcement of existing rules, are important for sustainable improvements in air quality.
Source:
This article is based on updates from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), reports