Delhi Air Quality Turns ‘Severe’; CAQM Enforces Stage 3 GRAP

As Delhi’s air quality slipped again into the “severe” category on Saturday, the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) imposed Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

As Delhi’s air quality slipped again into the “severe” category on Saturday, the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) imposed Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

The order issued by the CAQM said, "keeping in view the prevailing trend of air quality, in an effort to prevent further deterioration of the air quality, the Sub Committee on GRAP hereby decide to invoke all actions under Stage-III ('Severe' Air Quality of Delhi, ranging 401-450) of extant schedule of GRAP, with immediate effect in right earnest by all the agencies concerned in Delhi-NCR, in addition to the Stage-I and II actions already in force."

Delhi's air quality took a turn for the worse on Saturday, with the AQI hitting 401 by 10 am, crossing into 'Severe' territory. PM 2.5 is the main culprit, with winds blowing in from the east making things worse.

The CAQM is keeping a close eye on the situation, and with Stage 3 of GRAP in place, construction and demolition activities are banned in Delhi and NCR. Residents are dealing with thick smog, poor visibility, and discomfort.

Stage 3 of GRAP includes a ban on construction and demolition activities in Delhi and the NCR.

Delhi's air quality deteriorated sharply on Saturday morning, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) at 393 around 8 am, placing it in the 'Very Poor' category, according to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The situation continues with the poor air quality observed on Friday. Several parts of the national capital remained enveloped in a dense layer of toxic smog, severely affecting visibility and causing discomfort to residents.