Delhi's air quality has reached its most hazardous level of the season, marking the first time citizens are breathing in severely toxic air. At 6 AM on Monday, the average AQI was 481, placing all areas firmly within the 'Severe Plus' category (above 450). The NCR regions were shrouded in a thick layer of smog this morning.
Not only in Delhi, but pollution levels in NCR areas have also hit dangerous highs. While Delhi averaged an AQI of 481, Noida recorded 384, Ghaziabad 400, Gurugram 446, and Faridabad 320.
Last night's average AQI in Delhi surged to 475, with key areas consistently showing AQI levels over 400. Considering the circumstances, an orange alert has been issued today, and GRAP-IV regulations are set in motion. The government might enforce measures like odd-even schemes, fully closing offline classes, reducing office attendances to 50%, and adopting other emergency strategies.
Flight Delays Due to Low Visibility
Visibility at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) was 150 meters at 6 AM this morning. Owing to fog, some flights are delayed by 30 minutes to an hour, although no flights have been canceled as of now. Airport authorities advise passengers to check with operators for flight timings.
GRAP-4 Comes Into Effect Today
The fourth phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is being implemented in Delhi from today, a decision made by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) as pollution continues to soar. The restrictions include:
With GRAP-IV in place, trucks from other states are prohibited from entering Delhi, except for those that are CNG and electric, as well as those carrying essential goods.
Entry of light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi is also restricted.
Diesel medium goods vehicles (MGVs) and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) under BS-IV standards or lower are banned under GRAP-IV.
Only trucks transporting essential goods or using clean fuels (LNG/CNG/BS-VI diesel/electric) are permitted entry into Delhi, according to the order.
Non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi, excluding electric vehicles, CNG, and BS-VI diesel vehicles, are also subject to restrictions.
Recommendation to Close Colleges
Under GRAP-IV, the CAQM has recommended conducting online classes for students from grades 6 to 11. Classes for students in grades up to 5 are already in online mode under GRAP-III. Additionally, closing colleges has been suggested. Although the CAQM has not ordered employees to work from home, it has recommended that the Delhi government allow government, municipal, and private offices to operate at 50% capacity with the remainder working from home.
