Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) improved to 369 (‘very bad’) at 4 pm on December 24, down from a peak of 401 (‘severe’) recorded on December 16.
The central government’s Air Quality Monitoring Panel on Tuesday scrapped Phase IV (‘Severe+’) measurements under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). However, actions under Phase I, II, and III will remain in place to avoid further deterioration of air quality, the Commission on Air Quality Management (CAQM) announced on December 24.
The decision came after Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) improved to 369 (‘very bad’) at 4 pm on December 24, down from a peak of 401 (‘severe’) recorded on December 16. Improvements in air quality were attributed. Favorable weather conditions including improved wind speed are forecast by India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). As per the Supreme Court directive, Phase IV measurements were initially called after the AQI level crossed 400 points on 16 December. These measures were aimed at preventing serious pollution levels and included restrictions on industrial activities, construction and the entry of non-essential trucks. in Delhi. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures implemented in Delhi-NCR to deal with air pollution based on the severity of Air Quality Index (AQI).
The Center’s Air Quality Panel stressed the importance of continued vigilance. “Actions under phases I, II, and III of the revised GRAP will be invoked and implemented, monitored and reviewed by all concerned agencies across the NCR to ensure that AQI levels do not deteriorate further,” the commission said. order of it. Citizens were also asked to follow the guidelines under Phase III. “In view of the winter season, when weather conditions may not always be favorable, and to ensure that AQI levels do not slip further, citizens are requested to strictly adhere to the Citizen Charter under GRAP-III,” the commission added. Assuring that the CAQM sub-committee on GRAP will monitor the air quality and issue appropriate directives if necessary, the sub-committee will keep a close watch on the air quality scenario and review the situation from time to time. Further appropriate decisions will be taken depending on the air quality of Delhi and the forecasts made by IMD/IITM. “