SC allows relaxation of GRAP-4 measures as AQI improves in Delhi: Check what's allowed
SC allows relaxation of GRAP-4 measures as AQI improves in Delhi: Check what's allowed
Earlier, the Supreme Court bench highlighted the "complete lack of coordination" among stakeholders including the Delhi government, Delhi police, Municipal Corporation of Delhi and pollution control committee in implementing the restrictions.
Edited By: Raju Kumar@rajudelhi123New DelhiPublished : Dec 05, 2024 16:44 IST, Updated : Dec 05, 2024 17:19 IST
The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed the relaxation of stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) measures, currently in force to tackle the severe air quality in Delhi. The development comes two days after the the apex court's refusal to relax the emergency measures under Stage 4 of the GRAP dealing with air pollution in the national capital unless a consistent downward trend was noticed in the AQI level. Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih further directed the chief secretaries of NCR states to appear before it through video-conferencing on December 5 to inform whether or not any subsistence allowance was paid to the construction workers who went without work owing to the restrictions.
With the SC relaxation, the government will take a call in the next few hours on lifting the bans from certain activities. The government may lift the ban on truck entry and a temporary halt on construction at public projects. The authorities can also allow physical classes in schools and colleges.
Delhi breathes easy after 50 days, AQI in 'moderate' category
Meanwhile, Delhi breathed clean air on Wednesday after a gap of 50 days as the air quality was recorded in the 'moderate' category, offering much-needed respite from the high levels of pollution. The 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) of the city was recorded at 178 at 4 pm, registering an improvement from 268 on Tuesday.
Earlier, the AQI was recorded in the 'moderate' category with a reading of 198 on October 15. However, the AQI had deteriorated and shifted to the 'poor' category the following day, according to Central Pollution Control Board data.
Speaking about the improved air quality, an official of the India Meteorological Department said strong surface winds were forecast in the city on Wednesday. The winds will blow till December 7 when a new western disturbance is expected, which will lead to moderate fog starting December 8.
Of the 38 air quality monitoring stations in the city, only Sri Aurobindo Marg reported air quality in the 'very poor' category on Wednesday, while eight others showed air quality in the 'poor' category. The remaining reported 'moderate' air quality, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The CPCB classifies AQI between 0 and 50 as 'good', between 51 and 100 'satisfactory', between 101 and 200 'moderate', between 201 and 300 'poor', between 301 and 400 'very poor', and above 400 'severe'.
The primary pollutants on Wednesday were PM2.5, with levels recorded at 66.8 µg/m³ at 4 pm, while PM10 levels were 149.5 µg/m³ at the same time. These fine particles pose significant health risks as they can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
Meanwhile, the Decision Support System (DSS), the primary tool used to assess and estimate the sources of pollution in Delhi, has not been updated since Friday.
The latest data available on the DSS website covers November 26 to November 29, with updates for the past five days missing. A Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) official stated that the DSS is still undergoing development and has not yet been fully operationalised.
"An evaluation committee reviewed the system and found that its data and accuracy did not meet the terms of reference established for the model. Additionally, it was observed that some of the data and the emissions inventory being used were outdated," the official explained, seeking anonymity.
