Air Quality Alert: How GRAP-2 Curbs in Delhi Reflect Worsening Pollution Ahead of Diwali

ByMr. HR

As Delhi prepares for Diwali, the national capital has once again been engulfed in a haze of pollution. With Air Quality Index (AQI) levels slipping into the “very poor” category, the government has activated Stage-2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-2) to control rising emissions. From restrictions on construction activities to tighter checks on vehicular pollution, these emergency measures signal the severity of Delhi’s ongoing air crisis.

Delhi’s Air Quality Worsens as Diwali Nears

With the festive season around the corner, Delhi’s AQI has once again crossed alarming levels. On several monitoring stations, AQI values have hovered between 280–350, placing the city in the “very poor” category. Experts warn that the situation could deteriorate further as temperatures drop and wind speeds slow — conditions that trap pollutants closer to the ground.

What is GRAP-2 and Why It’s Enforced

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a four-stage pollution control mechanism designed to curb air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR).

Stage-1 (Poor AQI) – Promotes awareness and limits dust emissions.

Stage-2 (Very Poor AQI) – Imposes restrictions on construction, demolition, and industrial activity.

Stage-3 (Severe AQI) – Includes bans on diesel generators and tighter vehicular controls.

Stage-4 (Severe+ or Emergency) – Enforces work-from-home advisories and shuts down non-essential activities.

The activation of Stage-2 means that the situation is already critical.

Key Restrictions Under GRAP-2

  • Suspension of construction and demolition activities except for government or emergency projects.
  • Strict monitoring of dust pollution from unpaved roads and open dumping.
  • Intensified checks on diesel vehicles and industrial units using polluting fuels.
  • Encouragement for remote work and car-pooling among office commuters.

Authorities are also advising residents to use public transport and avoid outdoor exercise during early morning and late evening hours when pollution peaks.

Why Pollution Peaks Around Diwali

Several factors converge to worsen Delhi’s air in late October:

  • Crop residue burning in neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana.
  • Firecracker emissions despite partial bans.
  • Low wind speeds and temperature inversions that trap pollutants.
  • Vehicular and industrial emissions adding to background pollution.

The combination of these factors creates the infamous post-Diwali smog that lingers for weeks.

Citizens’ Role in Combating the Crisis

While the government has rolled out strict curbs, citizen participation remains vital. Delhiites are urged to:

  • Avoid bursting crackers.
  • Opt for public transport or electric vehicles.
  • Participate in tree-planting and community clean-air drives.
  • Keep air purifiers maintained indoors and monitor AQI updates regularly.

The Road Ahead

Environmentalists say that while emergency curbs help temporarily, Delhi needs long-term urban planning to tackle pollution sustainably — including cleaner fuels, better waste management, and green infrastructure. Until then, measures like GRAP-2 will remain necessary stopgaps to protect public health.

Note: Article generated by AI No attribution required – ChatGPT

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