Pollution Soars Despite GRAP-3 Restrictions, Delhi’s AQI Reaches ‘Severe’ Zone
Even with strict anti-pollution measures in place, toxic smog continues to choke the national capital as AQI crosses 700.
New Delhi: The air quality in the national capital has plunged to dangerous levels despite the enforcement of GRAP-3 (Graded Response Action Plan, Stage 3) restrictions. The thick toxic smog hanging over Delhi has made breathing difficult for residents, with no immediate signs of relief.
On Wednesday, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a staggering 722, placing it firmly in the “severe” category. The worsening pollution, combined with falling temperatures, has turned the city into a gas chamber. Dense smog and mist have further reduced visibility in many areas.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature in Delhi was recorded at 12°C, while the maximum hovered around 26°C. The chill is expected to intensify during morning and evening hours, and forecasts suggest that pollution levels are unlikely to improve for the next three to four days.
To combat the worsening situation, authorities implemented GRAP-3 measures on Tuesday, banning construction and demolition activities and restricting BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel vehicles. However, these steps appear to have had little impact, as pollution levels continued to surge by Wednesday morning.
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed PM10 levels at 722 and PM2.5 levels at 539, both extremely hazardous for human lungs. While gases like NO₂ (46), SO₂ (18), O₃ (4), and CO (33) remained within moderate ranges, the concentration of fine particulate matter has rendered the air toxic.
Across the city, the AQI remained alarmingly high — Anand Vihar recorded 412, Alipur 415, and Bawana 436. Low wind speed has prevented pollutants from dispersing, raising fears that the severe air quality may persist for several more days.
In response to the crisis, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) ordered the implementation of GRAP-3 measures starting Tuesday. Following this, the Delhi Directorate of Education instructed schools under NDMC, MCD, and the Delhi Cantonment Board to shift classes up to Grade 5 to hybrid mode (online/offline) until further notice.
