GRAP-3 in Delhi yet Hazardous air pollution levels: How effective on the condition?

There is no respite for Delhi from Air pollution after the third day of the GRAP-3 stage. Delhiites are compelled to breathe in ‘Hazardous’ levels of air pollution. GRAP-3 (Graded Response Action Plan) was implemented in Delhi on November 15 as air pollution levels were continuously recorded as hazardous. It included strict measures like no construction and demolition activities and curbs on some industries. Still no relief for Delhiites. Let us know how GRAP-3 in Delhi yet hazardous levels of air pollution that affective millions of lives

Last day, a little respite was recorded in air quality levels, but today again recorded the same conditions. Moreover, air pollution in Delhi is affecting many lives every year. This year too, winter air pollution levels are frightening. Since, no respite is visible from air pollution in Delhi. And do you know What’s worse? These highest levels were recorded even on the weekend since this day has fewer vehicles and emissions. Here know how GRAP-3 is failing in showing any relief from air pollution in Delhi!

How useful is GRAP-3 in Delhi if pollution remains in Hazardous levels?

The GRAP action plan is a kind of emergency playbook to control air pollution in Delhi. It has 4 consecutive ranges from Poor to Hazardous levels just like a traffic light. Currently, GRAP-3 was implemented in Delhi on 15th November because of a continuous surge in air pollution levels.

So, it included the ban on construction, industrial activities, and diesel generator sets. Besides, Primary schools shifted to online to protect children’s health from toxic smog. Since, November 14 and 15 saw the heavy toxic smog in Delhi.

Despite all these actions, Today, AQI (Air Quality Index) in New Delhi recorded in “Hazardous” level of 512 at 6:00 PM. Throughout the day, Delhi is covered with severe levels of toxic smog. Because, everyone is experiencing difficulty in breathing, irritation or burning sensation in the nose and throat, severe headaches, and other conditions. Hence, the situation left everyone wondering how effective are these measures if air pollution remains at such levels. Only GRAP-3 cannot improve the Delhi pollution crisis!

What are the air quality levels in Delhi Today?

Several areas recorded more than 700+. The emergency condition makes every Delhiite struggle to breathe the toxic air. Let’s check what are the air quality conditions in Delhi. For it, we have selected a few known locations in Delhi to check AQI levels on 17th November. Here are some top locations in Delhi with high air quality levels on 17th November:

Air pollution not just increasing in Delhi only, conditions are worsening in NCR as well. Air Quality conditions in Delhi NCR in a few locations:

Is there any change in Delhi’s air quality after 3 days of GRAP-3 stage?

Several bans and restrictions stayed in Delhi for 3 days continuously before the stay AQI recorded the highest in Delhi. To check the Now and then AQI conditions, we are taking AQI levels of before the GRAP-3 readings and after the implementation. As per the reading, AQI levels become more worse rather than showing any relief. Here knows:

• AQI in Delhi on 14th November Before GRAP-3 stage: 446 ‘Hazardous’ category. (Average of the day)
• AQI in Delhi on 15th November: 393 ‘Severe’ category. (Highest of the Day)
• AQI in Delhi on 17th November: 524 ‘Hazardous’ category. (Highest of the day)

As per the shown data, AQI conditions have worsened in Delhi even after the GRAP-3 stage.

Why Pollution is Still Increasing in Delhi?

Alone GRAP stages cannot provide relief from the trouble of air pollution in Delhi. Because the increase in emissions is not just from a single source. Since, it is happening due to various conditions that mixes and affecting the levels in the country’s capital. So, here are some factors that increasingly contributing to high levels during winter:

Double trouble pollution and winters:

Every Delhiite has to suffer the winter chill with the surge in pollution levels. Because the season’s first-ever snowfall in hilly areas dropped temperatures in Delhi and nearby areas. Thus, residents are experiencing sudden changes in weather as chilly winds. Hence, cold air can result in extreme air quality levels because it results in trapping more pollutants for long periods on the grounds.

Same situation of crop burning:

November is the season of new crops in north India that require preparing the land. Hence, it performs with crop burning. Besides, it happens in the nearby area of Delhi which results in high air pollution in Delhi.

No change in industrial and vehicle emissions:

Vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and other factors are increasing the air pollution levels in Delhi.

What have Delhiites seen in November till now?

From November starting, AQI levels in New Delhi remained at 13 days of Severe AQI levels and 4 days of Hazardous AQI levels. Recently 4 continuous days of Smog + Fog episodes in Delhi. The toxic smog has affected the lives of each resident. Besides, the long-term air pollution exposure resulted in a surge of patients in hospitals.

As reported by ThePrint News, Fortis hospital doctors have claimed of 20 to 25% surge in patients with air pollution-related conditions. “These are typically healthy individuals who remain fit throughout the year but develop these conditions, particularly in the winter months, when AQI levels in the city rise.” It is a concerning point as avoiding outdoor visits or even wearing N95 masks is not just enough.

Not just this, patients with pre-existing conditions, children, and the elderly can face serious problems due to exposure. Delhi as the most polluted city in the world, is becoming a nightmare for people with asthma or previous breathing problems. With it, winter conditions can make it troublesome. GRAP-3 in Delhi still air pollution levels affecting everyone’s life.

The ending words:

GRAP-3 in Delhi yet hazardous levels of air pollution as its aim is to reduce air pollution by targeting the root sources. Still, the conditions are worsening as today is the most polluted day in Delhi. The problem does not end here because nobody knows when the situation will improve. As it will become a little better for everyone to breathe clean air. Not just this, these remaining AQI levels for several days can impact the lives of many families. Stay tuned with AQI.in for the latest updates on Air pollution levels, conditions, and news in your area. Protect yourself and your loved ones against air pollution and make a world with clean air for everyone.