Delhi’s air quality has worsened to the ‘poor’ category following Dussehra celebrations, prompting the Centre to closely monitor the situation before implementing anti-air pollution measures under Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). On Sunday, the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 224, according to the Central Pollution Control Board’s 4 pm bulletin.
During Dussehra festivities on Saturday, effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad, packed with firecrackers, were set ablaze in various locations across the capital. In response to rising pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) Sub-Committee reviewed current air quality and weather forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).
The air quality showed signs of slight improvement, dropping to 222 by 5 pm on Sunday, with further improvements expected. Forecasts indicate that the air quality may shift to the ‘moderate’ category between October 14 and 16, 2024. However, it is anticipated to dip back into the ‘poor’ category on October 13, 2024.
In light of these developments, the Centre has announced it will monitor the air quality closely. Authorities are considering the activation of Stage 1 of the GRAP, which is triggered when the AQI exceeds 200. This stage includes vehicle restrictions and bans on coal and firewood usage in hotels and restaurants.
At a press conference on Sunday, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced that the capital has achieved an impressive milestone: 200 days of good air quality out of the 365 days in a year, all without implementing a lockdown.
Rai emphasized that this achievement is significant for the residents of Delhi, showcasing the effectiveness of ongoing efforts to combat air pollution. He credited the government’s initiatives and public cooperation for this positive outcome. The minister reiterated the commitment to continue working towards improving air quality and ensuring a healthier environment for all Delhiites.
Rai’s announcement highlights the progress made in addressing air quality issues in the capital, providing hope for sustained improvements in the future.
The CAQM Sub-Committee is actively assessing weather conditions and air quality data to determine the necessity of implementing these measures. If enacted, stricter pollution control regulations will follow, such as phasing out older petrol and diesel vehicles and limiting the use of certain fuels in the food industry.
Additionally, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee’s firecracker ban, coupled with the potential enforcement of Stage 1 of GRAP, highlights the government’s commitment to tackling air pollution as winter approaches. The Sub-Committee will continue to monitor air quality in the coming days before finalizing its decisions. If pollution levels remain high or worsen, authorities are expected to impose stricter regulations to curb vehicular emissions and reduce the use of polluting fuels, which contribute to the city’s smog during colder months.
