Delhi pollution: In response to the alarming surge in air pollution levels in Delhi, Chief Minister Atishi announced on Thursday that all schools across the national capital will be transitioning to virtual classes. This significant decision was prompted by the staggering rise in Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) to a hazardous 428 on Thursday morning, marking the first instance this season where air quality has entered the ‘severe’ category. The spike in pollution poses a dire health risk to the residents of Delhi, as confirmed by health officials and environmental experts.
At 9 am on Thursday, a concerning 32 out of Delhi’s 39 air quality monitoring stations indicated AQI levels surpassing 400. Notably, areas such as Anand Vihar and IGI Airport are enduring particularly detrimental air quality. This alarming reading signifies not only the worst air quality experienced this season but also the highest levels recorded in the entire country, shedding light on the urgent need for immediate action.
In a recent update posted on X, Atishi elaborated: “Due to the alarming rise in pollution levels, all primary schools in Delhi will be transitioning to online classes, with plans to reassess the situation in the coming days.”
The escalation of pollution levels has compelled the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to implement GRAP-III measures in the national capital region. Consequently, significant restrictions are being enforced, including the suspension of all construction activities and a ban on the operation of inter-state buses and trucks within the region.
What all is banned under GRAP 3
The rigorous implementation of GRAP-III prohibits any non-essential construction and demolition activities throughout the national capital. Additionally, petrol vehicles that do not meet the current emission standards established under BS-III and diesel vehicles that fail to comply with the more stringent BS-IV standards are banned from operating on the roads of Delhi and selected regions of the National Capital Region (NCR), including Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar.
As outlined by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the list of restricted construction and demolition activities includes critical operations such as road construction, boring and drilling work, laying of sewer lines, drainage work, and loading and unloading of construction materials. The movement of vehicles on unpaved roads will also face prohibition, as part of the Comprehensive Action Plan to Combat Air Pollution in Delhi.
Furthermore, the third phase of GRAP will impose additional limitations on inter-state bus operations from National Capital Region (NCR) states, whereby only electric vehicles, CNG vehicles, and BS-VI diesel buses will be permitted entry into Delhi. This measure is crucial for curbing the rising levels of pollution.
In this third phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), strict limitations will be placed on the operation of BS-III petrol vehicles and BS-IV diesel vehicles within Delhi, as well as in the neighboring districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar, to mitigate the adverse effects of pollution.
How does the government plan to engage and educate the public about the health risks associated with air pollution in the long run?
**Interview with Chief Minister Atishi on Delhi’s Pollution Crisis**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Chief Minister Atishi. Can you share the rationale behind the decision to shift all primary schools in Delhi to virtual classes?
**Atishi:** Thank you for having me. The decision was made in response to the alarming surge in air pollution in Delhi. With the Air Quality Index reaching a hazardous 428, it became imperative to protect the health of our children and residents. Virtual classes will minimize exposure to the dangerous air quality while we reassess the situation in the coming days.
**Interviewer:** That’s a significant move. What specific health risks does this level of pollution pose, particularly for children?
**Atishi:** Exposure to such severe pollution can lead to immediate and long-term health issues, including respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and even developmental impacts for children. Given that 32 out of our 39 monitoring stations recorded AQI levels over 400, the dangers are particularly pronounced in areas like Anand Vihar and IGI Airport.
**Interviewer:** Can you elaborate on the measures being taken by the Commission for Air Quality Management to address this crisis?
**Atishi:** Certainly. The Commission has implemented GRAP-III measures, which impose significant restrictions, including halting all construction activities, to help mitigate pollution levels. We are working closely with environmental experts to monitor the situation and enact more extensive solutions as needed.
**Interviewer:** Many residents are concerned about the immediate impact on daily life. What can they do to protect themselves until conditions improve?
**Atishi:** We recommend that residents limit outdoor activities, especially for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with preexisting health conditions. Wearing masks, using air purifiers indoors, and keeping windows closed can also help mitigate exposure to the harmful air.
**Interviewer:** What message do you want to send to the citizens of Delhi during this challenging time?
**Atishi:** I want to assure the people of Delhi that we are taking this situation very seriously. Our government is committed to implementing both immediate and long-term solutions to combat pollution. I urge everyone to stay informed and take precautions as we navigate this public health crisis together.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Chief Minister Atishi, for your insights and for prioritizing the health of Delhi’s residents.
**Atishi:** Thank you for having me. Let’s all work towards a cleaner and healthier Delhi.
