Delhi’s air quality deteriorates; Stage 3 Anti Pollution Control Plan, Commands CAQM
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has intimated Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) continues with Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) till further notice regarding the deteriorating air quality in the national capital. The order was issued after the CPCB-led task force meeting, which took stock of the situation arising from stubble burning in neighbouring states and forecast adverse meteorological conditions.
All construction and demolition work is banned in Delhi-NCR as of November 11, 2022. The only exception is for essential projects.
A freshwater anti-smog gun is being used to spray water against the heavy pollution in Delhi. At this time, Delhi’s air quality is ”inferior” with the Air Quality Index (AQI) of 303 at 6:30 am on Friday.
All construction and demolition work is prohibited in the third, stage of the GRAP except for essential projects.
According to The Centre’s air quality panel, the current pollution level in Delhi-NCR will dictate whether or not constraints beneath stage three of the Graded Response Action Plan will be implemented.
Delhi’s 24-hour average air quality index was 346 at 4 pm on Friday, deteriorating from 295 on Thursday. “The Air Quality Index (AQI) has been showing an increasing trend for the last two days in Delhi-NCR,” he said in a statement. “Wind conditions have not been very much in favour, and accordingly, dispersion of air pollutants has not been very accommodating.”
Delhi’s air quality has deteriorated dramatically
Delhi’s air quality has deteriorated dramatically over the past few years, causing health problems for residents and leading to calls for action from the government. The pain is particularly acute during the winter when the city’s pollution levels are at their highest.
The leading cause of Delhi’s air pollution is vehicle emissions, accounting for around 70% of the city’s total emissions. Other significant sources include power plants, industries, and construction activity. The burning of crop stubble in neighbouring states also contributes to the problem.
Delhi’s air quality deteriorates dramatically during the winter due to various factors. Colder temperatures cause pollutants to stay closer to the ground, while low winds mean they can disperse as quickly. This results in a build-up of pollution in the air, which can reach dangerously high levels.
The Delhi government has addressed the problem, including introducing stricter vehicle emission standards and banning construction activity during peak pollution periods. However, more needs to be done to bring about lasting change.
Delhi’s war against Air Pollution
Delhi filed a petition in 1955 to combat the severe air pollution for those who have not been following the news.
With the need to continue to prevent the deterioration of air quality, the sub-committee on the graded response action plan (GRAP) has decided that continuing with the Stage III actions should not be withdrawn at this stage.
All construction and demolition work, except for essential projects, is banned in Delhi-NCR for the next three years under the third stage of the GRAP.
Brick kilns, hot mix plants, and stone crushers are not allowed to operate.
Last year, Delhi was among the world’s most polluted cities, according to research by Greenpeace. Though this recent improvement is encouraging, the town still has some of the worst air pollution in the world—despite attempts to reduce emissions with “car-free days” and other strategies.
Kartavya Path, one of the busiest markets near New Delhi, has been affected by thick smog. Residents will face several new rules, including staggered timings for shops and offices that rely heavily on outdoor air quality.
The high smog levels in New Delhi have nearly matched the city’s previous record of toxic pollution. As a result, they remain at the ”severe” level, with schools closed and half of all government staff staying home.
Friday morning, train commuters faced thick smog as the Environmental Protection Agency declared no changes to the Air Quality Index.
Air quality in Delhi has been categorised as poor on November 05, and the moisture in the air caused rain to arrive even though it was not cloudy.
To reduce vehicular emissions, Environment Minister Gopal Rai requested the chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to divert trucks carrying non-essential goods on peripheral expressways to avoid traffic jams in the capital.
Delhi is now under a Stage 3 Anti-Pollution Control Plan. This means that all construction activity must stop. The CAQM has issued commands to ensure this happens, and it is up to everyone in Delhi to follow them so that we can improve the air quality for ourselves and future generations.