air pollution in delhi
The air in the country’s capital Delhi has become extremely poisonous ahead of Diwali. The average 24-hour AQI at 6 a.m. on Monday was 264. That’s 90 points lower than Sunday, but it’s also very bad for your health. Last week, the air in Delhi had become very bad due to low wind speed. It has now improved thanks to the strong wind, but the air level here is still very worrying.
The situation is better in Pitampura, Delhi. The AQI here was 167 on Monday. At the same time, the worst conditions occur in the Defense Colony. The AQI here was recorded at 324. Firecrackers will be lit as Diwali celebrations begin. Because of this, the air quality here is likely to get even worse.
High level of pollution on Sunday
The air in Delhi was calm on Sunday. In this situation the spread of contamination was stopped. Due to this, the level of pollution increased. In many areas the AQI crossed the 400 mark. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 355 at 4 pm on Sunday, while on Saturday it was 255. CPCB shared data from 37 of 40 monitoring stations. According to this, the air quality remained very bad in three stations – Bawana, Burari and Jahangirpuri.
Grape-3 may be applicable
The government has taken several measures to improve air conditions in Delhi. Firecrackers have been completely banned. However, a large number of firecrackers are being brought into inner Delhi from Gurugram, adjacent to Delhi. In addition, firecrackers are also secretly sold in large quantities. In such a situation, there is a fear that Delhi’s air will get worse during Diwali. If this happens, Grape-3 can be applied. Through GRAP, the government is trying to reduce air pollution in Delhi. This includes many types of restrictions.
What new restrictions will there be on Grape-3?
Different phases of GRAP are implemented depending on the air pollution situation in Delhi. The first phase of GRAP comes into effect when the AQI level crosses 200. At the same time, when it crosses 300, the second phase is implemented and when it crosses 400, the third phase is implemented. When the AQI exceeds 450, the fourth phase of the lockdown comes into effect. The constraints increase with each stage of the graph. In such a situation, the air level exceeds 400 in Anand Vihar and Jahangirpuri. If the situation is similar in other areas, then Grap-3 can be implemented. The Delhi government implemented Grap-3 last year. During this period, apart from essential government work, all types of construction work were prohibited. Additionally, BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles were banned.
