Delhi’s air quality worsened sharply on Saturday, slipping into the ‘poor’ category with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 209. This decline prompted the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to implement Stage One of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). Just a day earlier, the AQI had been in the ‘moderate’ bracket at 161, underscoring a rapid deterioration in the city’s atmospheric conditions.
The renewed enforcement of GRAP Stage One marks the seventh such intervention this year, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in managing Delhi’s persistent air pollution issues. Following its continuous application throughout the winter season of 2024-25, which was lifted on 3rd March, the plan has seen intermittent activation since early March. Recent enforcement phases covered several brief periods, signalling a fluctuating but concerning air quality trend. Meteorological conditions have played a significant role in this downward trend. With the recent rains receding, the absence of strong winds has allowed pollutants to accumulate near ground level. Experts have identified ground-level ozone as a prominent pollutant contributing to the declining air quality, a change from earlier dominant pollutants in colder months.
Officials from CAQM highlighted that forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) predict AQI levels to remain predominantly in the ‘poor’ category over the coming days. They emphasised the need for vigilant enforcement and continuous monitoring by all agencies to ensure pollution levels do not escalate further, potentially crossing hazardous thresholds. Stage One of the GRAP entails preventive actions designed to curb pollution without resorting to drastic restrictions. These include intensified deployment of anti-smog guns to suppress airborne particulate matter, systematic water sprinkling on roads to reduce dust emissions, and stringent dust control at construction sites involved in road works and infrastructure maintenance. Additionally, enforcement agencies are directed to maintain strict vigilance over vehicle emission standards, ensuring compliance with Pollution Under Control (PUC) regulations.
Further measures under this phase impose a ban on the use of coal and firewood in commercial food preparation units such as hotels and eateries, reflecting a shift towards cleaner fuel alternatives. Orders from judicial authorities related to the restriction of older, polluting vehicles remain strictly enforced, alongside bans on firecrackers and the discouragement of diesel generator sets as primary power sources, all aimed at lowering the city’s pollution footprint. As weather conditions remain dry, temperatures in Delhi are forecast to rise, with maximum temperatures expected to reach between 42 and 44 degrees Celsius by June 10. A meteorological official warned of dust-laden winds blowing at speeds between 20 to 30 kilometres per hour from Sunday through Tuesday, a factor likely to aggravate particulate pollution levels further.
On Saturday, the maximum temperature recorded at Safdarjung station was 39.8 degrees Celsius, while the minimum settled at 26.3 degrees Celsius, highlighting the onset of a hot and dry spell that could exacerbate pollution woes. The recurring application of GRAP Stage One demonstrates the persistent difficulties Delhi faces in achieving sustainable air quality improvements. Despite regulatory frameworks and interventions, the complex interplay of meteorology, urban emissions, and human activity continues to challenge the city’s environmental management efforts. Environmental experts point out that addressing Delhi’s air pollution effectively requires a comprehensive strategy focused on reducing emissions at the source, expanding green urban spaces, and transitioning to cleaner fuels and technologies. The promotion of public transport, electric mobility, and renewable energy are also pivotal in aligning with the city’s broader vision of zero-net carbon and equitable urban living.
The sustained enforcement of GRAP measures, while necessary in the short term, must be complemented by long-term policies that balance economic activity with environmental sustainability. Transparent monitoring, citizen awareness, and coordinated action across government agencies will be essential to improve air quality and protect public health in one of the world’s most populous urban centres.
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