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Delhi Chokes on Poor Air After Festival Fire
22 Oct
Summary
- Delhi's air quality hit 'poor' at AQI 245, the season's worst.
- Unfavorable weather and firecracker emissions worsened air quality.
- GRAP Stage 1 implemented, banning older BS-VI buses.
Delhi's air quality has significantly deteriorated, reaching an AQI of 245, the highest this season and the most polluted day post-Dussehra in five years. This decline is due to unfavorable weather patterns and increased emissions from firecrackers used during the festival. The contribution of stubble burning to PM2.5 levels was 3.9% as of Wednesday.
In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This action entails a ban on intercity and interstate buses below BS-VI standards and not running on electricity or CNG. Regulations on diesel generator sets are also now in effect.
Further measures under GRAP Stage I include augmenting public transport with CNG and electric buses, alongside increased metro and RRTS services. The Delhi Metro will introduce 20 additional weekday trips starting Thursday. The India Meteorological Department forecasts that the AQI will remain in the 'poor' category in the upcoming days. Delhi Traffic Police has urged citizens to reduce vehicular emissions by using public transport and carpooling.
