Delhi-NCR Enforces Stringent Measures as 'Hazardous' Air Quality Persists

As the Delhi-NCR region continues to grapple with 'hazardous' air quality, stringent measures have been enforced in the national capital, including a ban on the entry of polluting trucks. Delhi's air quality has persisted in the 'severe plus' category for the second consecutive day on Monday, attributed to unfavorable wind patterns and a sharp increase in farm fires across northern India.

A noxious haze has lingered over Delhi-NCR for a week, posing substantial challenges, particularly for individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions. The latest data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) reveals that Delhi's average Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 471 at 7:00 a.m. today.

In response to the escalating pollution levels, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has convened an emergency meeting scheduled for 12:00 noon today.

The air pollution crisis extends beyond Delhi's borders, affecting several cities in neighboring Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. Notable AQI levels include 571 in Ghaziabad's Loni, 430 in Noida's sector 62, 422 in Greater Noida's Knowledge Park III area, 333 in Gurugram's Gwal Pahari area, and a staggering 614 in Faridabad's New Industrial town.

STAGE IV GRAP MEASURES IMPLEMENTED As the 24-hour average AQI worsened from 415 on Saturday to 454 on Sunday, the central government has activated all emergency measures mandated under the final Stage IV of its air pollution control plan, known as the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

GRAP categorizes actions into four stages: Stage I - 'Poor' (AQI 201-300), Stage II - 'Very Poor' (AQI 301-400), Stage III - 'Severe' (AQI 401-450), and Stage IV - 'Severe Plus' (AQI >450).

Under Stage IV of GRAP, only CNG, electric, and BS VI-compliant vehicles from other states are permitted to enter Delhi. Exemptions are granted solely to those engaged in essential services. Additionally, all medium and heavy goods vehicles not involved in essential services are banned in the capital, following the latest order from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).

ENTRY BAN FOR TRUCKS IN DELHI On Sunday, the Delhi government's Transport Department issued an order prohibiting the entry of trucks into the national capital, except for those transporting essential goods.

The order specifies, "As per directions provided under Stage IV of the revised GRAP and under Section 115 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, it is hereby ordered… No Entry for Truck traffic into Delhi (Except for Trucks carrying essential commodities/providing essential services and all LNG/CNG/ Electric Trucks)."

Furthermore, the order prohibits the entry of light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi, with exceptions for electric vehicles, CNG, and BS VI-compliant vehicles, provided they are transporting essential commodities.

It is important to note that this directive does not apply to vehicles transporting essential commodities such as raw vegetables, fruits, grains, milk, eggs, or ice used as food items, as well as tankers carrying petroleum products.

The Transport Department has deployed 18 teams to enforce these restrictions, with plans to deploy additional teams shortly.

CALL FOR RESTRICTIONS AND REMOTE WORK The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), a statutory body responsible for devising strategies to combat pollution in the region, has recommended that Delhi and NCR states impose a ban on construction work related to linear public projects. Additionally, they are advised to enable 50% of government and private office staff to work from home.

On November 2, the CAQM ordered a ban on non-essential construction work and specific categories of polluting vehicles. In an effort to protect young children from hazardous pollution, the Delhi government has also announced the closure of all primary schools for two days.

DETERIORATION OF AIR QUALITY IN DELHI-NCR Unfavorable meteorological conditions, combined with vehicular emissions, paddy straw burning, firecrackers, and local pollution sources, contribute to deteriorating air quality levels in Delhi-NCR during the winter season. Peak pollution typically occurs from November 1 to November 15, coinciding with an increase in stubble burning incidents in Punjab and Haryana.

Over the past week, air quality in Delhi-NCR has worsened due to a gradual drop in temperatures, stagnant winds that trap pollution, and a surge in post-harvest paddy straw burning across Punjab and Haryana.

INCREASE IN FARM FIRES According to the New Delhi-based Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), a total of 4,160 farm fires were reported in northern India on Sunday, marking the highest count this season. Punjab alone reported 3,230 incidents of stubble burning, the highest in a single day so far this season, according to data from the Punjab Remote Sensing Centre.

WORSENING PM2.5 LEVELS The concentration of PM2.5, fine particulate matter known to penetrate deep into the respiratory system and trigger health problems, has exceeded the government-prescribed safe limits by a significant margin at multiple locations across Delhi-NCR. This alarming level of PM2.5 pollution poses a severe health risk.

SRI LANKA-BANGLADESH CRICKET MATCH CONTINUES Despite the alarming pollution levels in Delhi, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to proceed with the Men's World Cup 2023 match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka on Monday. The BCCI engaged the services of renowned Pulmonologist Dr. Randeep Guleria to assess the situation and provide expert advice to mitigate the air quality issue at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

To address the situation, the venue team, under Dr. Guleria's guidance, has taken various mitigating actions, including water sprinklers around the premises and the installation of air purifiers in the dressing rooms and match officials' areas. Monitoring of the air quality within the stadium has shown improvements and reduced AQI levels to an acceptable range.

Despite concerns, the match is scheduled to proceed with these interventions in place.