In response to rapidly worsening air quality, Delhi has escalated its anti-pollution measures after the air quality index (AQI) crossed into the ‘severe’ category. Effective from 8 am Friday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) raised the pollution control measures to GRAP-3, imposing significant restrictions to curb pollution.
Under the GRAP-3 measures, all non-essential construction and demolition activities are temporarily halted. Only projects related to national security, healthcare, and select public infrastructure are exempt. Additionally, Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region (NCR)—including Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar—have banned older petrol vehicles (BS-III) and diesel vehicles (BS-IV) from operating.
GRAP-3 also intensifies efforts to reduce dust pollution, deploying more mechanized road sweepers and water sprinklers across the city. Diesel generator sets are restricted to emergency use only.
Delhi’s Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, noted that this is the first time this season AQI readings have exceeded 400. “For the last two days, AQI has surged into the severe category due to a drop in temperature and dry conditions, influenced by recent snowfall in the mountains,” Mr. Rai explained. As of 9 am today, Delhi’s AQI reached a concerning 428, marking the worst air quality in the country.
Health experts are advising residents to limit outdoor activities, especially in the early morning and late evening when pollution levels tend to peak. Dr. Arunesh Kumar, a senior respiratory consultant at Paras Health in Gurugram, emphasized the importance of staying indoors, noting that severe air pollution impacts both physical and cognitive health.
As the post-festive season pollution lingers, Delhi residents are urged to follow precautions and remain updated on AQI levels to safeguard their well-being.
