Delhi Implements GRAP-2 Anti-Pollution Measures as AQI Reaches 'Very Poor' Category Ahead of Diwali

Delhi's AQI reached 302, falling into the 'very poor' category.

Anti-pollution measures under GRAP-2 have been activated for Delhi and surrounding areas as the Air Quality Index has deteriorated ahead of Diwali. GRAP-1 restrictions were first implemented this season on October 14.

The Commission for Air Quality Management, the Centre's anti-pollution authority, issued an order on Sunday stating that the Air Quality Index has declined and is anticipated to worsen further.

The commission noted: "The AQI of Delhi has shown an increasing trend since morning and has been recorded as 296 at 4:00 PM and 302 at 7:00 PM. The forecast by IMD/IITM also predicts further deterioration of AQI in the coming days."

GRAP-2, the second stage of the Graded Response Action Plan, imposes limitations on coal and firewood usage, as well as diesel generator sets across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).

Daily road sweeping and water sprinkling will be conducted on selected roads to manage dust pollution, with efforts to reduce traffic congestion.

These measures complement GRAP-1 restrictions, which include prohibiting dust-generating construction activities without proper mitigation, mandatory water sprinkling at construction sites, increased monitoring of polluting industries, and stricter CNG compliance for public transport.

Authorities have urged citizens to use public transportation whenever possible.

Experts have cautioned that air quality will likely deteriorate further following Diwali, as firecracker use will compound pollution levels, while weather conditions remain unfavorable for pollutant dispersal.

The AQI scale categorizes 0-50 as 'good', 51-100 as 'satisfactory', 101-200 as 'moderate', 201-300 as 'poor', 301-400 as 'very poor', and 401-500 as 'severe'. Last year, the Delhi-NCR region experienced over 50 days of 'severe' air quality.