Grap 3 measures are back as AQI worsens amid fog

A sharp worsening of Delhi's air pollution continued on Friday, with the air quality index (AQI) plunging deeper into the "very poor" category, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to implement Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap) across the National Capital Region (NCR).

- Jasjeev Gandhiok

NEW DELHI:

The Capital recorded a 24-hour average AQI of 371 ("very poor"), a significant drop from Thursday's 318 ("very poor"), according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) at 4pm.

The deterioration over the past two days has been attributed to a combination of dense fog, low atmospheric mixing height, weak winds, and unfavorable meteorological conditions, which trapped pollutants closer to the surface, scientists said. The situation worsened as emissions from local sources added to the stagnant air, pushing pollution levels higher.

Forecasts by the Centre's Early Warning System (EWS) for Delhi indicate that the AQI is unlikely to improve before Monday, with conditions expected to remain in the "very poor" zone for the next few days.

Under Grap's Stage 3 measures, restrictions have been imposed on private construction and demolition activities, while schools up to Class 5 will shift to a hybrid mode of learning. Additionally, the use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers, as well as non-essential BS-IV diesel-operated medium goods vehicles (MGVs), will be prohibited. These measures are in effect across Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar.