Delhi’s AQI remains in severe category as Air Quality Index reaches 430 on Friday which is slightly better than Thursday and stands at 448. Even though the city is now under ‘Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine’ – the fourth level of the government’s Graded Response Action Plan which aims to reduce pollution, the levels remain dangerous.
Area-Wise AQI Levels
Among all the monitored regions, there are areas that had AQIs above 450; Bawana had AQI 468, Mundka AQI 465, and Najafgarh AQI 435 according to SAFAR-India. Other extensive areas such as Anand Vihar (458), Dwarka Sector 8 (460) and Jahangirpuri (450) were also in the critical category. The minimum AQI for the day was measured at Mandir Marg (265).
GRAP Implementation
The GRAP introduces graded restrictions based on pollution severity:
- Stage 1 (Poor, 201-300): Initial measures are implemented.
- Stage 2 (Very Poor, 301-400): Restrictions intensify.
- Stage 3 (Severe, 401-450): Strict controls on construction and industrial activities.
- Stage 4 (Severe Plus, >450): Complete halts on non-essential activities.
Contributing Factors: Only 22 States Banned Panchami: Stubble Burning and Firecrackers
Thus, the government claimed that Delhi air quality is due to several factors, largely stubble burning and firecracker usage. Stubble burning accounted for 10.6% of PM2.5 in Delhi between October 8 and December 7, with a high of 35%, said Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh in the Rajya Sabha.
Pollution Compounds During Winter Season
The following are some reasons why winter pollution levels are relatively higher than other seasons: The Temperature; The Winds; Inversion. This is made worse by high density of anthropogenic activities in the region.
Te Decision Support System of the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology emphasizes the importance of the synchronization of measures to combat pollution at the present time.
