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Delhi Chokes: Air Quality Plunges Ahead of Diwali
3 Nov
Summary
- Delhi's air quality reached 'very poor' levels with AQI at 331.
- Farm fires in Punjab and Haryana contribute to worsening air.
- Stage 2 of GRAP invoked, mandating staggered office timings.
As Diwali approaches, Delhi's air quality has plunged into the 'very poor' category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 331 on Tuesday morning. This marks a significant increase from previous days, with Monday's 24-hour average AQI being the worst in 271 days. Satellite data reveals a surge in farm fires across Punjab and Haryana, with 1,561 fires detected between October 1 and November 2.
In response to the deteriorating conditions, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for the National Capital Region. This includes directives for staggered office timings for government and municipal employees in Delhi and its surrounding NCR districts. Higher parking fees are also being implemented to discourage private vehicle usage.
Additionally, resident welfare associations are tasked with providing electric heaters to security staff to prevent open burning. These stringent measures are part of Delhi's comprehensive winter action plan, which officially commenced on November 1, aiming to mitigate the severe impact of air pollution during the colder months.
