Delhi's Air Crisis: GRAP-2 Imposed Ahead of Diwali

Delhi residents brace for a challenging Diwali as the city's air quality takes a distressing turn, inching perilously close to the 'very poor' category. In a decisive move to combat the looming smog crisis, authorities have swiftly activated Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-2), signaling a heightened state of alert to protect public health.

The grim reality hit hard when the average Air Quality Index (AQI) for Delhi climbed to 294 by 3 pm, firmly planting it in the 'poor' zone.

However, several critical monitoring stations, including Anand Vihar, Bawana, Mundka, and Wazirpur, were already gasping for breath in the 'very poor' category, painting a stark picture of the deteriorating environment. Forecasters warn that without immediate intervention, the city's air is poised to plunge further into hazardous levels, making the implementation of GRAP-2 a timely, albeit unsettling, necessity.

Under GRAP-2, a series of stringent measures have been rolled out across the National Capital Region (NCR) to curb pollution sources.

One of the most significant directives is the absolute prohibition on burning solid waste, including biomass and garbage, a common contributor to winter smog. The use of diesel generator sets has also been largely restricted, with exemptions only for essential services, aiming to reduce particulate matter emissions.

To encourage cleaner commutes and reduce vehicular pollution, parking fees are set to increase, and public transport services will be significantly augmented.

The city will also witness an intensified effort in dust management: mechanical sweeping of roads, regular water sprinkling, and the deployment of anti-smog guns will become a common sight, targeting construction dust and road grime. Furthermore, construction sites and industries will face heightened scrutiny, with strict enforcement of pollution control norms to ensure compliance.

This pre-emptive action by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and its sub-committee underscores the severity of Delhi's perennial battle against air pollution.

While GRAP-2 aims to prevent a complete environmental breakdown, it serves as a stark reminder of the fragile balance between urban development and ecological health, particularly as the festive season approaches. The hope is that these urgent measures will offer some respite, allowing Delhiites to breathe a little easier amidst the festive cheer.