Delhi Air Pollution: CAQM Updates GRAP Guidelines for NCR Schools; AQI Improves to ‘Severe’ Category | Latest Developments
The air quality in Delhi saw a slight improvement on Wednesday but continued to stay in the “severe” category. The 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 4 PM stood at 419, compared to 444 on Tuesday. Despite this improvement, smog persisted in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and other parts of the National Capital Region (NCR).
Monday’s AQI readings approached the “severe plus” category, nearing 500, making it the second-worst air quality recorded since AQI monitoring began in 2015, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
On Thursday morning, areas such as Anand Vihar (406), Ashok Vihar (416), Bawana (419), Dwarka Sector-8 (404), Jahangirpuri (437), Munka (416), and Nehru Nagar (410) recorded AQI levels firmly in the severe category.
Visuals from Delhi’s India Gate showed people jogging and walking in a smog-filled atmosphere, highlighting the pressing need for stricter air quality measures.
Revised CAQM Guidelines for Delhi-NCR
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the central authority for pollution control, issued updated guidelines for the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Wednesday. As per the revised plan:
- Mandatory School Closures: Schools in Delhi and NCR districts, including Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar, must close under Stages 3 and 4 of GRAP. Previously, these decisions were left to the discretion of state governments.
- Staggered Office Timings: Under Stage 3, public offices and municipal bodies in Delhi and specific NCR districts must stagger working hours to reduce vehicular emissions. Other NCR districts have the flexibility to decide their office timings.
These measures aim to mitigate the worsening air quality, especially in regions consistently reporting hazardous pollution levels.
Previous GRAP Guidelines
Before the revisions, Stage 3 of GRAP allowed state governments to decide on shifting classes for students up to Class 5 to online mode. Under Stage 4, state governments could suspend in-person classes for students in Classes 6 to 9 and 11.
However, with the revised GRAP, these measures have now become mandatory for key NCR districts, ensuring stricter compliance.
Supreme Court’s Response to CAQM
Earlier this week, the Supreme Court reprimanded the CAQM for delays in enforcing Stages 3 and 4 of GRAP, emphasizing the urgency of school closures and stricter pollution control measures across the NCR. The Court directed the CAQM to act decisively and avoid leaving critical measures to local authorities’ discretion.
Delhi’s AQI has remained in the severe category since Sunday, crossing into the “severe plus” category on Monday and Tuesday, with readings exceeding 450. These alarming figures underscore the need for immediate and effective interventions to safeguard public health.
Stay Updated on Delhi Air Pollution
As Delhi battles hazardous air pollution levels, stay informed about real-time AQI updates, revised guidelines, and health advisories. Bookmark this page for the latest developments on air quality in Delhi-NCR.
Keywords for SEO Optimization:
- Delhi air pollution
- Delhi AQI update
- CAQM guidelines 2024
- GRAP revised guidelines
- Delhi-NCR schools closed
- Air quality in Delhi
- NCR air pollution updates
- Supreme Court air pollution directive