Air pollution in Delhi-NCR has again reached critical levels. AQI was recorded beyond 400 in many areas. The government is considering implementing GRAP-3. Demand for online classes in schools and appeal for work from home is increasing.
This time the cold of Delhi is not only chilling but also taking a heavy toll on breathing. The cold mornings of November have now become synonymous with smog and poisonous air. On Monday, the air quality index (AQI) of the capital again crossed 400, due to which it remains in the ‘severe category’. Amid increasing pollution, the government is considering implementing GRAP-3, while people have been appealed to adopt carpooling and work from home.
Air becomes poisonous in Delhi, AQI again crosses 400
The air pollution situation in the national capital was very bad on Monday morning. AQI was recorded between 370 and 412 in areas like Anand Vihar, Bawana, Chandni Chowk and Jahangir Puri.
| Area | AQI level |
| Bawana | 412 |
| Jahangir Puri | 394 |
| Burari Crossing | 389 |
| Nehru Nagar | 386 |
| Chandni Chowk | 365 |
| Anand Vihar | 379 |
| Ashok Vihar | 373 |
The situation is so serious that the Central Pollution Control Authority (CAQM) has warned of imposing strict restrictions like GRAP-3 in the next few days if the air quality does not improve.
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CM’s appeal: Carpool, work from home
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has appealed to citizens to use carpooling as much as possible and private institutions to adopt work from home or hybrid mode. The government said that this situation can be improved not only by administrative action but by citizen cooperation.
Demonstration at India Gate: Demand for health emergency
On Sunday, hundreds of citizens gathered at India Gate and demonstrated against air pollution. People demanded declaration of health emergency in the capital and said that the continuously deteriorating air is seriously affecting the health of children and the elderly. The protesters have demanded immediate measures from Delhi and the central government.
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These restrictions will be imposed when GRAP 3 is implemented
If air quality does not improve, these restrictions may be imposed in Delhi-NCR when GRAP-3 is implemented:
- Ban on non-essential construction and demolition works
- Ban on operation of old diesel vehicles
- Ban on movement of cement, sand and construction materials
- Movement of interstate diesel buses stopped
- Schools up to class 5 closed, permission to study in online mode
- Ban on stone crusher and mining activities
- Diesel generators will be able to run only for emergency services
- Advice to companies for work from home or hybrid mode
Demand for online classes increases in schools
Many private schools in the capital have stopped outdoor activities. Prayer meetings and sports programs have been banned. Air purifiers are being installed in some schools, while parents and RWA associations have raised the demand for implementing online classes on social media.
If the situation is not controlled, ‘Grape-3’ will be implemented
The Meteorological Department and Pollution Control Board say that there is no possibility of immediate improvement in air quality in the coming days. If the situation worsens, the government can impose strict restrictions under GRAP-3. Experts believe that due to winter and decrease in wind speed, pollution may increase further in the coming weeks.
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