Delhi's AQI may touch 'poor' category by Saturday: Report
Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) is reportedly once again edging closer to the "poor" category and might trigger stage one of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) by the weekend. The national capital's AQI has stayed in the "moderate" range for nearly two weeks. However, a gradual drop in the air quality has been noted, allegedly amid the dropping temperatures and an increase in farm fires in the northern parts of the country.
Deterioration in air quality over last few days
According to the news outlet Hindustan Times, Delhi's average AQI on Thursday was "moderate" at 177 compared to Wednesday's reading of 176. The Early Warning System (EWS) forecast that the AQI would remain in the "moderate" category as well on Friday before touching "poor" on Saturday. Experts have suggested that a drop in temperature, which slows down the dispersion of pollutants, combined with an increase in farm fires, has begun to impact AQI.
Different GRAP measures to tackle AQI
Measures under the revised GRAP, which usually goes into effect on October 1 every year in phases, in the national capital are yet to be applied as the AQI remained below 201. Stage one of GRAP goes active when the AQI hits the "poor" category (201-300), reported The Indian Express. Stages second, third, and fourth go online just three days before the AQI touches the "very poor" category (301-400), "severe" category (401-450), and "severe plus" category (over 450), respectively.
CAQM official provides insight
Providing an update on the AQI levels of the national capital, a Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) official stated, "Based on the AQI on Saturday, measures under stage one could be enforced." "The CAQM sub-committee on GRAP will hold regular meetings based on forecasts," news outlet Hindustan Times quoted the CAQM official as saying.
SC's recent verdict on production, sale of firecrackers in Delhi
Last month, the Supreme Court (SC) refused to interfere with the Delhi government's September 11 ruling banning the use of all firecrackers in the national capital to curb pollution ahead of the festive season. The firecracker manufacturers association had filed a petition to incorporate barium in green crackers with better formulations. During the hearing, the apex court said that the previous orders prohibiting the use of barium-based compounds in firecrackers would stay.
15-point action plan to combat air pollution
Separately, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced a 15-point action plan to combat air pollution during the colder months last week. He said that his government has identified 13 hotspots where war rooms will monitor pollution, and 13 special teams will control pollution in the hotspots. In addition, 611 teams will supervise open garbage burning, while 530 water sprinklers and smog guns will be stationed throughout the city. Moreover, 385 teams will inspect vehicles' age and pollution certificates.
