With Diwali just around the corner, Delhi has activated Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) due to rapidly deteriorating air quality. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has officially declared the move, citing a rising AQI and forecasts predicting further pollution spikes.
According to the CAQM, Delhi’s AQI has shown a consistent increase, recorded at 296 in the afternoon and climbing to 302 by early evening. The Sub-Committee has decided to implement all GRAP Stage II actions immediately across the entire NCR, in addition to existing Stage I measures.
This step-up in pollution control measures comes after Delhi endured six straight days of ‘poor’ air quality. The city’s AQI hovered near the ‘very poor’ mark, reaching 296 on Sunday evening.
Pollution is not confined to Delhi, with neighboring areas also facing worsening conditions. Noida and Ghaziabad are already experiencing ‘very poor’ air quality, while Faridabad’s air quality is in the ‘moderate’ range.
Concerns are mounting over the festive period, especially with the conditional approval of green firecrackers. While intended as an eco-friendly alternative, their use is being monitored closely amid the current air quality crisis.