The restrictions under GRAP-4 have been reimposed in Delhi and its neighbouring areas once again, as air quality index (AQI) have plunged to the 'severe' category in the national capital region (NCR) again, said the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Saturday evening. In an official order, the CAQM said that the air quality in Delhi-NCR has crossed the 400-mark due to unfavourable weather conditions and a western disturbance. Considering this, it has decided to reimpose GRAP-4 curbs again.
The development comes a day after it had reimposed GRAP-3 restrictions in the capital. GRAP categorises air quality into four stages -- 'poor' (AQI 201-300), 'very poor' (AQI 301-400), 'severe' (AQI 401-450) and 'severe plus' (AQI above 450).
"The AQI of Delhi, which was recorded as 400 on Saturday at 4 PM, exhibited a sharp increasing trend and has been recorded at 428 at 8 PM owing to a western disturbance, highly unfavourable weather and meteorological conditions, and lack of dispersal of pollutants," it said.
"Keeping in view the prevailing trend of air quality and relevant factors and in an effort to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region, the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP unanimously decides to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage-IV of extant GRAP 'Severe+' Air Quality (DELHI AQI > 450), with immediate effect, in the entire NCR, as a proactive measure," it added.
AQI deteriorates, temperatures dips
Earlier in the day, the 24-hour average AQI was recorded at 354, falling in the 'very poor' category. It deteriorated to 416, falling in the 'severe' category, by 6 pm. Besides, the minimum temperature was also recorded at 4.4 degrees, with a thick layer of smog covering the capital.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects that it may rise in the next three days. However, following January 20, the weather department expects that Delhi may witness another cold spell which will likely continue till January 26.
"Minimum temperatures are expected to begin rising gradually from January 17 to 20, with light winter rainfall activity likely over the next few days," said Mahesh Palawat from Skymet Weather, a told news agency PTI.
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