Delhi AQI Today: Primary Schools to Switch Online; GRAP3 to Be Implemented Starting at 8 AM Friday

Delhi’s air quality, which was classified as “severe” on the morning of November 15, is still a serious problem. A heavy layer of fog has returned to many areas of Delhi, as well as Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurgaon.

The Air Quality Management Commission (CAQM) implemented restrictions under GRAP3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in response to the increasing Air Quality Index (AQI). This includes prohibiting the usage of BS-III gasoline and BS-IV diesel vehicles in Delhi and the National Capital Region, as well as building operations. The limitations will go into effect on Friday at 8 AM. The Delhi government recently declared that primary schools will switch to online instruction until further notice due to the dangerously high levels of pollution.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reports that around 6 AM on Thursday, the air quality index (AQI) in Delhi’s Anand Vihar was 441. The air quality deteriorated and above 400 in other heavily polluted locations, such as Bawana (455), Dwarka Sector 8 (444), and Jahangirpuri (458), putting them in the “severe” category.
What Cannot Be Done?

In Delhi, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar, the CAQM issued a directive that strictly prohibited the use of four-wheelers powered by BS-III gasoline and BS-IV diesel. Any infractions will result in a punishment of ₹20,000. Under GRAP Stage 3, mining operations would be halted, water spraying will be done on major highways every day, interstate buses from NCR states will not be allowed to enter Delhi, and construction and demolition activities will be strictly limited. Up to Class 5 students may switch to online learning..
What Can Be Done?

In the NCR region, only electric vehicles, CNG vehicles, and BS-VI diesel buses will be allowed to operate. Construction projects with low pollution levels that strictly adhere to the C&D Waste Management Rules will also be allowed.
Statement from DMRC

In addition to the 40 trips that were already introduced under GRAP-II, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced 20 more. Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Aya Nagar, and Dwarka Sector 8 are among the 27 of the 39 monitoring stations that recorded air quality in the “severe” category, while Delhi’s AQI increased from 418 to 424 as of 4 PM.
The Game of Political Blame

Political blame has been placed on the deteriorating pollution, with the Bharatiya Janata Party accusing Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai of carelessness and demanding his resignation. In response, Gopal Rai charged that the BJP-led bordering states were not doing enough to reduce air pollution.
Comprehending GRAP
GRAP classifies air quality in Delhi-NCR into four categories: “poor” (AQI 201-300), “very poor” (AQI 301-400), “severe” (AQI 401-450), and “severe plus” (AQI above 450). Since October 30, Delhi’s air quality has been “very poor,” and on Wednesday, the first “severe” level of the season was recorded.
Leading Causes of Delhi’s Pollution

Vehicle emissions, which make up around 12.2% of Delhi’s pollution, are the main source, according to the central air quality management system. There were five stubble burning occurrences in Punjab, eleven in Haryana, and 202 in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday, according to satellite data from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI).
Today’s Air Quality in Delhi

Delhi’s air quality stayed in the “severe” category for the second day in a row. Friday morning’s AQI was 420, which was marginally better than Thursday’s 430 but still classified as “severe.” In response to the rising pollution levels, the Delhi government declared that The third phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) would be put into effect
SAFAR-India reports that the following locations in Delhi had AQI readings: Anand Vihar: 455, Bawana: 449, Mathura Road: 388, Dwarka Sector 8: 456, IGI Airport: 447, ITO: 395, Jahangirpuri: 456, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium: 389, Lodhi Road: 425, Mundka: 459, Najafgarh: 438, Narela: 436, Nehru Nagar: 457, North Campus DU: 400, Okhla Phase 2: 437, Patparganj: 461, RK Puram: 450, Rohini: 454, Siri Fort: 440, Vivek Vihar: 447, and Wazirpur: 456..

The Delhi government is putting GRAP measures into place beginning at 8 AM on Friday in order to address these extreme pollution levels. These include limitations on BS-III gasoline and BS-IV diesel vehicles in Delhi and the National Capital Region, as well as prohibitions on building activities. Additionally, primary school physical classes have been halted till further notice, while online classes are still available..

These limitations must be strictly enforced throughout Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar, as directed by the Air Quality Management Commission (CAQM). Violators would be fined ₹20,000.

Interstate buses from NCR states are not allowed to enter Delhi under GRAP Stage 3, and only electric, CNG, and BS-VI diesel buses are allowed. Water sprinkling on major roadways is required, and mining, construction, and demolition operations are halted. Additionally, pupils up to Class 5 may be eligible for online courses.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced 20 more weekday runs in response to the GRAP-III measures that go into effect on Friday.