GRAP stage-III curbs revoked amid improved air quality in Delhi
Delhi's Air Quality Sees Improvement
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has lifted Stage-III restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi due to better air quality. This decision was made on January 17 after the GRAP Sub-Committee noted a drop in the Air Quality Index (AQI) from "Severe" to "Very Poor." On January 16, Delhi's AQI was recorded at 302, below the 350 threshold, leading to the revocation.
Factors Contributing to Improvement
Favorable weather conditions, such as strong winds, have helped improve air quality. However, Stage-I and Stage-II measures remain to ensure ongoing monitoring and prevent further deterioration.
Continued Vigilance Required
The CAQM emphasized the need for vigilance, especially in winter when air quality can quickly worsen. Construction sites with closure orders must seek permission before resuming operations.
Background and Future Monitoring
Stage-III measures were initially enforced on January 15 when the AQI exceeded 350, as a precaution to prevent levels from surpassing 400. Despite lifting these measures, the CAQM encourages citizens to help reduce pollution. The Sub-Committee will keep monitoring air quality with forecasts from the Indian Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology.
Previously, Stage-IV measures were also revoked following improvements in air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region.
Doubts Revealed
CAQM
CAQM stands for the Commission for Air Quality Management. It is a group that looks after the air quality in places like Delhi and makes rules to help keep the air clean.
Stage-III restrictions
Stage-III restrictions are strict rules put in place to reduce pollution when the air quality is very bad. These rules can include stopping certain activities that cause pollution.
Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
GRAP is a plan that has different levels of actions to take when air pollution gets worse. It helps decide what steps to take to make the air cleaner.
Air Quality Index (AQI)
AQI is a number that tells us how clean or polluted the air is. A lower number means the air is cleaner, and a higher number means the air is more polluted.
Severe to Very Poor
These are categories used to describe how bad the air quality is. 'Severe' means the air is very unhealthy, and 'Very Poor' means it is still bad but a little better than 'Severe'.
Meteorological departments
Meteorological departments are groups that study the weather. They help predict weather conditions that can affect air quality, like wind and rain.
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