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Delhi has stepped up pollution controls as air quality fell into the severe category, prompting the enforcement of stage three of the Graded Response Action Plan. This includes halting non-essential construction and curbing industrial emissions. The measures follow public protests demanding cleaner air and a rise in crop stubble fires, though these incidents are fewer than in previous years. Dense winter air often traps pollutants from vehicles, industries, and fires, exposing the city's 30 million residents to high respiratory risks. Authorities aim to prevent further deterioration.
India has implemented tighter anti-pollution measures in its capital, New Delhi, and nearby areas as air quality levels worsened to the "severe" category, according to the Commission for Air Quality Management. The authority said stage three of the Graded Response Action Plan was enforced to address the current trend and prevent further deterioration. Advertisement
Under this stage, all non-essential construction has been halted, and stricter controls have been applied to industries using polluting fuels. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board showed Delhi's air quality index exceeding 400 at multiple monitoring stations, compared to 'good' readings under 50.
The government's action follows a rare public protest at the India Gate monument over the weekend, where dozens were detained while demanding cleaner air. Satellite data also indicated an increase in crop stubble fires, which farmers set to clear fields before the next planting season. While these fires have historically contributed to high pollution in northern India, authorities noted that the total number of incidents from September 15 to November 9 was significantly lower this year than in previous years.
During winter, Delhi and surrounding districts frequently experience smog, as cold air traps emissions from vehicles, construction, and crop burning. These conditions often push pollution levels to some of the highest in the world, exposing the capital's 30 million residents to severe respiratory and health risks.
Source Reuters
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