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Delhi's Air Quality Dips Again After Curbs Lifted
28 Nov
Summary
- Delhi's air quality deteriorated to 'very poor' after Stage-3 restrictions were removed.
- AQI reached 381, marking the 22nd consecutive day with pollution over 300.
- Experts question frequent lifting of Grap based on fluctuating pollution levels.
Delhi's air quality has regressed to a 'very poor' category, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 381. This deterioration occurred shortly after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) lifted Stage-3 restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap). The city has now endured 22 consecutive days with AQI readings exceeding 300, a concerning trend that places it among the longest such streaks observed since 2019.
Experts are raising concerns about the frequent adjustments to Grap measures, citing the illogical basis of lifting restrictions based on marginal AQI improvements. They argue that winter conditions are unpredictable, and such decisions can be counterproductive, especially when key pollution sources like industries and thermal power plants are not adequately addressed. The lifting of Stage-3 curbs permits the resumption of construction, mining, and the operation of older BS-3 petrol and BS-4 vehicles.
Officials from CAQM expressed confidence that improved wind speeds forecasted for Friday would prevent AQI from escalating into the 'severe' category. However, analysts highlight implementation issues with Grap and suggest that its removal without substantial pollution reduction leads to an immediate increase in emission loads. Meanwhile, minimum temperatures in Delhi are slightly rising, with forecasts predicting stronger winds from December 1.
