Delhi’s air quality continued to remain in the ‘poor’ category for the third consecutive day, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 211 at 8 a.m., as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Key AQI Readings:
- Moderate Category:
- ITO: 161
- Alipur: 190
- Chandni Chowk: 181
- Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium: 197
- Poor Category:
- Ashok Vihar: 222
- Lodhi Road: 218
- Patparganj: 216
Public Response:
Drone visuals revealed a thin layer of smog lingering over areas like Bikaji Cama, Moti Bagh, and AIIMS, although visibility in iconic locations such as India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan improved slightly.
Locals welcomed the improvement:
- Anmol, a resident, shared:“The pollution levels have decreased significantly. We are able to resume our daily activities now. This is a good sign.”
- Another individual remarked:“The visibility has become slightly better. You can now see India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan properly.”
GRAP Measures Under Review:
The Supreme Court on Monday refused to relax Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-IV measures aimed at controlling air pollution in Delhi. A bench led by Justices Abhay S. Oka and A.G. Masih emphasized that any relaxations would only follow a consistent downward trend in pollution levels.
The Court observed a lack of compliance by NCR states, including Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, in compensating construction workers affected by restrictions. It directed the Chief Secretaries of these states to appear virtually at the next hearing.
“When we summon top officials, the ball starts rolling,” the bench remarked, signaling the need for stringent accountability.
GRAP Implementation:
GRAP measures are activated based on air quality levels, with Stage IV including:
- A ban on non-essential construction activities.
- Enhanced checks on industrial emissions.
- Reduced vehicular activity.
The Court will re-evaluate GRAP-IV restrictions and consider modifications on Thursday, pending further improvements in air quality.