Delhi’s air quality took a sharp turn for the worse on Monday night, forcing the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to reintroduce Stage IV restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The emergency measures were implemented across Delhi-NCR after the Air Quality Index (AQI) breached the hazardous 400 mark, plunging the region into the ‘Severe+’ category.
The AQI rose from 399 at 9 p.m. to 401 by 10 p.m., prompting an urgent meeting of the CAQM subcommittee. According to the commission’s statement, these Stage IV measures are supplementary to the restrictions already in place under Stages I, II, and III.
As per Supreme Court directives, GRAP III measures are mandated when the AQI surpasses 350, while GRAP IV is invoked if the AQI crosses 400. The decision comes amidst worsening meteorological conditions, including low mixing layer height and stagnant wind patterns, which have exacerbated the accumulation of pollutants.
Delhi-NCR has been grappling with persistent air quality issues, worsened by vehicle emissions and stubble burning. The CAQM recently updated its winter pollution plan to address the recurring crisis, but the region continues to face severe health risks from toxic air. With no significant improvement expected in the near term, the authorities are maintaining a close watch on the situation.
