AQI Worsens, Pollution Curbs Return in Delhi

Just four days after lifting restrictions, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has reimposed anti-pollution measures in Delhi as air quality took a turn for the worse. On Monday, the CAQM had withdrawn Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which had been in place since October 15. However, by Friday, deteriorating air quality forced the authorities to bring back a 27-point action plan under GRAP's Stage 1.

The air quality index (AQI) hit 202 on Friday, pushing it into the 'poor' category, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This was a sharp decline from Thursday's AQI of 124, which was categorized as 'moderate.' The CAQM mandates that Stage 1 of GRAP be enforced whenever the daily average AQI crosses the 200 mark.

Measures to Control Pollution
To counter rising pollution levels, authorities have reintroduced several measures, including:
- Regular removal of municipal solid waste, construction debris, and hazardous waste from dump sites
- Mechanized road sweeping
- Water sprinkling to suppress dust
- Increased use of anti-smog guns and dust control measures

These steps aim to minimize the impact of rising pollution levels and keep the situation from worsening.

Why Did Pollution Levels Rise Again?
According to the CAQM, the sudden spike in pollution is due to calm winds and unfavorable weather conditions in Delhi-NCR, which have trapped pollutants in the air. Forecasts from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, suggest that the AQI is likely to remain in the 'poor' category in the coming days.

In response, the CAQM has instructed all relevant agencies to strictly follow the measures outlined in its comprehensive pollution control policy. With pollution levels on the rise, authorities are once again under pressure to take swift action to prevent further deterioration in Delhi's air quality.