Delhi once again woke up under a dense layer of smog as air quality plummeted to alarming levels, with the city’s average AQI recorded at 347—falling in the “very poor” category. Pollution levels, which touched a near “severe” 392 on Sunday, have sparked widespread concern across the National Capital Region (NCR). Many areas, including Anand Vihar and Chandni Chowk, reported readings close to 400, highlighting the urgent need for strict intervention.
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) acts as a strategic framework to curb rising pollution in Delhi-NCR. It outlines four stages of action depending on the severity of air quality. With pollution levels steadily climbing, Stage 3 measures are expected to be enforced soon. These include work-from-home advisories for offices, a ban on non-essential construction, and restrictions on the movement of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is responsible for monitoring real-time data and implementing GRAP stages accordingly. Stage 1 focuses on dust control and waste management, while higher stages impose progressively stringent curbs. Despite these measures, recurring issues such as stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and unfavorable weather patterns continue to push Delhi’s air quality to hazardous levels.
Experts are urging residents to adopt cleaner commuting methods, avoid outdoor exposure, and contribute to sustainable practices. With the onset of winter trapping pollutants closer to the ground, GRAP remains not just an emergency response but a vital roadmap for Delhi’s long-term fight against air pollution.
