New Delhi:

Delhi’s air quality plunged to ‘severe plus’ for the first time this year on Sunday night, forcing the government to implement Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) – an anti-pollution plan. The GRAP-4 will come into effect at 8 am Monday onwards.

According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) data, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was 481 at 6 am. Of the 35 monitoring stations in the national capital, most recorded over 400 AQI, with Dwarka reporting the highest at 499.

A dense blanket of smog has gripped the national capital for the sixth consecutive day, with visibility plunging to 150 metres. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) also issued an ‘orange’ alert for “dense fog” today.

Under GRAP 4, there is a ban on construction and demolition activities, including linear public projects such as highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission, and pipelines. 

Here is a list of major projects in Delhi that will be impacted due to GRAP-4 restrictions:

The work on making six underpasses and bypasses in Delhi will be delayed. These include three underpasses to make Mukarba Chowk and Haiderpur Metro Road jam-free. 

The underpass to go to the Ring Road from Bhairon Marg near Pragati Maidan has also been put on hold.

The work of Barapula Elevated Corridor Phase-3 in front of Mayur Vihar Phase-1, Yamuna Khadar, is also likely to be affected.

The construction of four new hospitals across the national capital will likely be delayed.

Restrictions under GRAP-4

Under the GRAP-4, a ban has been imposed on Delhi-registered BS-IV or older diesel medium and heavy goods vehicles. All trucks and light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi will not be allowed to enter the national capital, except for those carrying essential commodities or providing essential services

Additionally, all schools have been shifted online, except for Classes 10 and 12. Public and private offices have also been asked to work at 50 per cent capacity and the rest have been recommended to work from home.

According to a government release, the state government may consider additional emergency measures such as the closure of non-emergency commercial activities, and permitting the running of vehicles on an odd-even basis of registration numbers.

New Delhi:

A thick layer of smog – a toxic blend of smoke and fog – enveloped the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) this morning as the air quality index (AQI) plummeted to the “severe-plus” category, forcing authorities to announce stricter pollution control measures.

Smog also affected visibility in the national capital which various airlines said could delay flight schedules. Visibility at Palam dropped to 150 metres at 7 am.

#6ETravelAdvisory: Fog is currently affecting visibility in Delhi, which may result in slow moving traffic and delays in flight schedules. We recommend allowing extra travel time and checking flight status before starting your journey https://t.co/rpnOvAOxQl. Safe travels!

— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) November 17, 2024

Kind attention to all flyers!#Fog#FogAlert#DelhiAirportpic.twitter.com/QRx6v26Ral

— Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) November 18, 2024

According to the real-time data provided by the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the AQI in Delhi was recorded at 481 at 6 am, the worst so far this season. Officials said it was due to “unfavourable” meteorological conditions in Delhi-NCR.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor, 401 and 450 severe, and above 450 severe-plus.

The Centre’s air quality panel has invoked stricter pollution control measures for the Delhi-NCR under Stage 4 of the anti-pollution plan Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which have come into effect from 8 am. This is in addition to the preventive actions announced under Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3 of GRAP already in force.

The GRAP for Delhi-NCR is divided into four stages of air quality: Stage 1 for “poor” air quality (AQI ranging from 201 to 300), Stage 2 for “very poor” air quality (AQI from 301 to 400), Stage 3 for “severe” air quality (AQI from 401 to 450), and Stage 4 for “severe-plus” air quality (AQI above 450).

The panel – Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) – has urged the public, particularly children, senior citizens and those with respiratory, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular or other chronic diseases, to stay indoors.

GRAP 4 In Delhi As Air Quality Worsens

Under Grap 4, no trucks will be allowed into Delhi except for those carrying essential items or using clean fuel (LNG/CNG/BS-VI diesel/electric). Non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi will be prohibited, except for EVs and CNG and BS-VI diesel ones and those carrying essential items.

Delhi-registered BS-IV or older diesel medium and heavy goods vehicles are banned, except for those in essential services.

In-person classes have been suspended for all except for students in classes 10 and 12.

All construction activities, including highways, roads, flyovers, power lines, pipelines and other public projects, have been suspended.

Public and private offices in Delhi-NCR have been recommended to work at 50 per cent capacity, with the rest working from home. Work-from-home options may also be introduced for central government employees.

State governments could also close colleges, limit non-essential commercial activities and implement odd-even vehicle rules.

Around 38% of the pollution in the national capital this year has been caused by stubble burning or farm fires in the neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana.

Delhi grapples with smog each winter as cold air traps dust, emissions and smoke from illegal farm fires.

New Delhi:

Primary schools in Delhi will switch to online learning mode from Friday due to severe air pollution in the national capital, Chief Minister Atishi announced in a post on X. She said the online classes for primary school children will continue “until further directions”.

Her announcement came hours after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) raised the pollution mitigation level to GRAP-3, effective from 8 am on Friday. This means all non-essential construction and demolition work are banned, among other actions.

While GRAP-3 is in effect, petrol vehicles from the older emission norms BS-III and diesel vehicles of BS-IV category are not allowed on the roads in Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) such as Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar.

“Due to rising pollution levels, all primary schools in Delhi will be shifting to online classes, until further directions,” Atishi said.

Due to rising pollution levels, all primary schools in Delhi will be shifting to online classes, until further directions.

— Atishi (@AtishiAAP) November 14, 2024

Delhi’s AQI at 9 am today was in ‘severe’ category, with a reading of 428. On Wednesday, the city reported the worst AQI in the country, with air quality turning ‘severe’ for the first time this season.

Doctors have cautioned people to stay indoors as much as possible. The effects of severe air pollution is not only limited to physical health, but also extended to cognitive wellbeing, affecting mood and emotional resilience.

Dr Arunesh Kumar, a senior consultant on respiratory medicine at Paras Health, Gurugram, said people need to limit outdoor activities, especially during early morning and late evening when air quality is typically poor, to protect the body from the impact of pollution post-festive season.

“If going outside is necessary, wearing an N95 mask can help filter harmful particles. Indoors, using a HEPA air purifier is recommended as it can significantly reduce particulate matter,” Dr Kumar told news agency PTI.

Vehicles ride past on an expressway on a smoggy morning in New Delhi, India, October 31, 2024.
| Photo Credit: Reuters

A thick layer of smog covered parts of Delhi on Friday (November 1, 2024), the day after Diwali, pushing the city’s air quality into the ’very poor’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Most areas in the capital recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) over 350, raising health concerns for residents. At around 7:00 a.m., Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 395, Aya Nagar stood at 352, Jahangirpuri at 390, and Dwarka reached 376.

All these areas reported ‘very poor’ air quality levels, posing significant health risks.

Cyclist Stephen, passing through India Gate, where the AQI stood around 317 post-Diwali, said, “Because of the pollution, terrible things are happening. The pollution came on very suddenly this time. Just a few days ago, there was nothing, and now my brother has fallen sick. I used to come here to cycle with my brother, but he has been severely affected by the pollution lately. And today, the pollution is extreme.”

“There were so many fireworks and other things yesterday that I couldn’t even sleep. We’ve been really troubled; my brother is in terrible shape. What else can we do? It’s taking a toll on his body — his throat hurts, it’s hard to breathe, he has a cold, and his eyes are irritated. There’s so much; we don’t even know everything that’s happening. While cycling, it’s hard to keep our eyes open,” he added.

“I came here to go cycling, but now it’s a big problem. There’s a lot of coughing, and I’m having trouble cycling. This pollution is much worse, especially due to the fireworks, bombs, and kids playing with fireworks. It’s even affecting vehicles, and it’s really bad. It could lead to cancer or other serious illnesses,” another cyclist, John, told ANI.

The pollution issue wasn’t limited to Delhi; several other cities across India, including metropolises like Chennai and Mumbai, reported similar conditions, with smog and poor air quality affecting large areas. The CPCB data shows significant pollution levels, especially after Diwali celebrations, raising concerns about air quality and potential health impacts nationwide.

Earlier on Thursday (October 31, 2024), Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai spoke about the preparations the Delhi government was implementing post-Diwali. Speaking to ANI, he said, “The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi remains in the ‘very poor’ category, with some areas showing extremely high levels. With Diwali tonight, it’s an important night for Delhi and its people. I request everyone to avoid burning crackers to help control pollution across the state. Delhi’s air quality remains ‘very poor.’ Today being Diwali, tonight is critical for us. Let’s celebrate by lighting diyas and sharing sweets, but we must avoid crackers to protect the children and elderly at home.”

Gopal Rai further stated, “I believe that if the people of Delhi avoid burning crackers, the city will not witness the usual post-Diwali smog. I request everyone to avoid crackers and the pollution they cause, to ensure everyone at home remains safe.”

When asked about the selling of crackers in the city, the Delhi Environment Minister mentioned that Delhi Police would increase patrolling at night to monitor the situation. “The police are actively working to control the sale of crackers. Patrolling will be increased at night for safety. But I still ask, why is it necessary to burn crackers? As human beings, it’s our duty not to pollute the city,” he underlined.

Gopal Rai also shared that the Delhi government is monitoring the situation closely. “We are addressing incidents of firecracker use, and the police are working on this on the ground. Such activities at night will also be addressed. But more than enforcement, it’s our duty to protect our environment. We are monitoring everything, and the Delhi government will take necessary steps as the situation demands,” he added.

England’s Ben Stokes uses an inhaler during a practice session on the eve of their 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup one-day international (ODI) match against Sri Lanka at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on October 25, 2023.
| Photo Credit: AFP

England cricketers have resorted to sporadic use of inhalers to deal with high pollution levels in major Indian cities over the course of their dismal World Cup campaign.

British newspaper ‘I’ reported that the some of the England cricketers were forced to take inhalers, usually used by people suffering from Asthma.

Test captain Ben Stokes was seen using the inhalers during training ahead of the game against Sri Lanka in Bangalore.

Delhi breached the AQI (Air Quality Index) mark of 400 on November 2 to enter the ‘Severe’ category. The pollution has caused a major concern in Mumbai as well with India skipper Rohit Sharma touching on the subject ahead of the Sri Lanka game on November 2.

“I mean, in an ideal world, you don’t want a situation like this, but I’m pretty sure the concerned people are taking the necessary steps. It’s not ideal, everyone knows that. But, looking at our future generations – your kids, my kids – obviously, they must get to live without any fear.” “So, yeah, every time I get to speak outside of cricket, if we are not discussing cricket, I always talk about this. You know we have to look after our future generations,” said Rohit on Wednesday.

England are currently in Ahmedabad for their game against arch-rivals Australia but the British paper reported the players are unlikely to use inhalers due to acceptable air quality in the city.

England batter Joe Root was asked about air pollution in Mumbai following the heavy loss to South Africa last month but he did not say it was a factor in the team’s defeat. “It just felt like you couldn’t get your breath. It was unique,” he said.

“Who knows whether it was air quality? I am not qualified to know. It felt like quite a hazy day, wasn’t it? And you could see that from one side of the ground looking back towards the sun, it was a lot harder visually than it was on the other side of the ground.

“Whether it was air quality or what, it was definitely an experience I’ve not had before,” Root said.

The Bombay High Court on October 31 expressed concern over the “deteriorating” air quality index in Mumbai while taking suo motu cognisance of the issue.

The situation is worse in Delhi where Sri Lanka will take on Bangladesh on November 6.

In 2017, the Sri Lankan players were forced to wear masks while on the field in New Delhi during the third match of the Test series. As per a Lancet Study, pollution caused more than 2.3 million deaths in India in 2019.