Delhi Air Quality Index: AQI predicted to turn 'very poor' on Diwali weekend, GRAP stage 2 pollution control measure enforced

Delhi Air Quality Index: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Wednesday said that there is a forecast for deterioration of air quality over Delhi and the air quality index (AQI) may move into the 'very poor' category from October 22. Therefore, Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Sub-Committee decided to invoke Stage II of GRAP in the entire NCR.

"Delhi’s AQI forecasted to breach 300 mark on 22.10.2022. The GRAP Sub-Committee decides to invoke Stage II of GRAP in the entire NCR with immediate effect," CAQM tweeted.

Delhi’s AQI forecasted to breach 300 mark on 22.10.2022. The GRAP Sub-Committee decides to invoke Stage II of GRAP in the entire NCR with immediate effect.
Contd. (1/3)

— Commission for Air Quality Management (@CAQM_Official) October 19, 2022

Out of the 35 monitoring stations in the city, at least six recorded the air quality in the "very poor" category.

With "very poor" AIQ predicted in Delhi-NCR, the CAQM directed authorities to enact stage two of GRAP, which includes banning the use of coal and firewood in hotels, restaurants and open eateries.

"All actions as envisaged under Stage II of the GRAP – ‘Very POOR’ Air Quality to be implemented in the right earnest and further actions under Stage I to be intensified by all the agencies concerned," it tweeted.

All actions as envisaged under Stage II of the GRAP – ‘Very POOR’ Air Quality to be implemented in the right earnest and further actions under Stage I to be intensified by all the agencies concerned .
Contd. (2/3)

— Commission for Air Quality Management (@CAQM_Official) October 19, 2022

Under stage two of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the use of diesel generators except for essential services is also banned. Stage two of the GRAP is a set of anti-air pollution measures followed in the capital and its vicinity according to the severity of the situation.

Today, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 17 degrees Celsius, a notch below the normal for this time of the year. The maximum temperature settled at 34.6 degrees Celsius.

The 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) recorded at 4 pm stood at 228. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor, and 401 and 500 severe.

(With the inputs of PTI)