NEW DELHI – Delhi's air quality has plunged into the 'very poor' category, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) registering 331. This deterioration occurred despite the activation of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-2) measures, aimed at curbing escalating pollution levels across the national capital region.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology have forecast that air quality is likely to remain 'very poor' over the next several days, prolonging the city's battle with smog and poor visibility.
GRAP-2 Measures Intensified
In response to the worsening conditions, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Monday imposed GRAP-2, triggering a series of intensified pollution control efforts. These measures include regular mechanical road sweeping, increased water sprinkling, deployment of anti-smog guns, and higher parking fees to discourage private vehicle use. Authorities are also encouraging greater reliance on public transportation.
Border Checks Cause Traffic Gridlock
The implementation of GRAP-2 has led to stringent checks at Delhi's interstate borders, resulting in severe traffic congestion. Commuters faced hours-long delays on roads connecting Delhi with neighboring Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, including the Delhi-Gurugram, Delhi-Noida, Delhi-Ghaziabad, Delhi-Sonipat, and Delhi-Najafgarh borders. Enforcement teams were stopping vehicles to ensure compliance with prescribed emission standards.
Delhi Traffic Police reported checking 7,657 vehicles since Sunday, turning back 609 that did not meet BS-VI emission standards. Additionally, 433 challans were issued for 'no-entry' violations, and action has begun to suspend the permits of 76 commercial vehicles, with 10 registered in Delhi and 66 from other states.
Hotspots Exceed 400 AQI
Several monitoring stations across Delhi recorded AQI levels significantly higher than the city average, pushing well into the 'severe' category (above 400). According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Jahangirpuri registered the highest AQI at 449, followed closely by Rohini at 429 and Punjabi Bagh at 424. Other areas with critically high pollution included Narela (406), Vivek Vihar (410), Alipur (413), and Bawana (403).