New Delhi:
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's average air quality index (AQI) crossed the 400 mark on Wednesday.
The air quality index from 0 to 100 is considered 'good', 100 to 200 'moderate', 200 to 300 'poor', 300 to 400 'very poor' and from 400 to 500 or higher as 'severe'.
In view of the very poor air quality, the Center on Wednesday decided to monitor the situation for a day or more before introducing stricter measures under phase 3 of the Centre's air pollution control plan, called the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), in Delhi-NCR. forecasts suggested the situation could improve.
“The Commission on Air Quality Management (CAQM) sub-committee on operationalization of GRAP met today and took stock of the current air quality scenario and forecast of meteorological conditions as well as the forecast air quality index of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM),” an official statement said.
The sub-committee, while comprehensively assessing the air quality scenario and relevant aspects, noted that as per the air quality forecasts of IMD and IITM, Delhi's average AQI is likely to improve.
Therefore, it was unanimously decided by the Subcommittee to monitor the situation for a day or more before considering invoking Phase III of GRAP. The ongoing preventive and restrictive actions implemented under Phases I and II of GRAP will continue for the time being and the Subcommittee will closely monitor the situation for further decision-making.
The phase 3 thresholds include a ban on non-essential construction work and plying of BS III petrol and BS IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi-NCR.
The GRAP restrictions were previously lifted on January 18 after air quality improved in the region.
Several flights were delayed at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport as a layer of fog gripped the national capital.
IMD has forecast moderate fog in the National Capital until January 26, with foggy conditions expected on January 27 and 28.
Although, dense to very dense fog is likely to prevail over parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Uttar Pradesh till January 26, the IMD said.
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