Delhi-NCR has invoked the third phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-3) following a significant spike in pollution levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing into the ‘very poor’ category on Monday. This comes as the region experiences a cold wave, exacerbating the city’s already challenging air quality.
Under GRAP-3, stringent measures have been implemented, including a ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities. In addition, vehicles that fail to meet the BS-III and BS-IV emission standards are prohibited from entering Delhi and surrounding areas such as Gurugram and Ghaziabad. These measures aim to curb vehicular emissions, a major contributor to winter pollution.
The cold wave, with temperatures plunging to as low as 3.5°C in Pusa, has made it harder for pollutants to disperse, worsening the situation. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded a minimum temperature of 4.5°C in Delhi on Monday morning, with cold conditions expected to persist. As a result, air quality remains hazardous for sensitive groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues.
Additional measures include restrictions on diesel generators, allowing their use only in emergencies, and enhanced dust control through mechanized road sweeping and water sprinkling. The AQI, recorded at 351, indicates “very poor” air quality, posing serious health risks.
While authorities predict a slight improvement in temperature, the cold wave is expected to keep air quality levels dangerously high in the coming days.
 following a significant spike in pollution levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing into the 'very poor' category on Monday. This comes as the region experiences a cold wave, exacerbating the city’s already challenging air quality.){kind=link}