Delhi’s Air Quality Improves as Rainfall Revokes GRAP-4 Restrictions
Delhi and its adjoining cities breathed a sigh of relief as rainfall on Wednesday significantly improved the air quality, prompting authorities to revoke the stringent GRAP-4 restrictions. The commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) announced the decision on Thursday, citing a notable drop in pollution levels across the National Capital Region (NCR).
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi, which had soared to “Severe” levels earlier this week, plummeted to 302 on Thursday, categorizing it as “Very Poor.” By Friday morning, the AQI further improved to 294. For context, an AQI between 301 and 400 is classified as ”Very Poor,” while levels above 400 fall into the “Severe” category.
Weather Woes: Fog and Flight Delays
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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted partly cloudy skies for Friday, with smog and dense fog expected in most areas during the morning. Isolated pockets may experience very dense fog, while shallow fog or smog could persist into the evening and night.
The foggy conditions disrupted air travel, with several flights delayed at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. Delhi Airport issued an advisory at 7:50 am, warning that flights not equipped with CAT-III facilities might face disruptions. Passengers were advised to check with their airlines for updates. CAT-III technology enables aircraft to operate in low-visibility conditions, a critical feature during Delhi’s foggy winters.
Rainfall Brings respite
Thursday’s rainfall brought much-needed relief to the city, clearing the skies and improving visibility. The primary weather station at Safdarjung recorded 3.7 mm of rainfall, while other stations like Palam, Pusa, and Mayur vihar recorded 8.6 mm, 7.5 mm, and 4 mm, respectively. The minimum temperature settled at 10.3 degrees Celsius, 2.7 notches above normal, while the maximum temperature was recorded at 19.6 degrees Celsius, typical for this time of year.
This improvement comes after a week of challenging weather conditions. On January 15, Delhi experienced its first instance of very dense fog this season,with visibility dropping to zero at Safdarjung and IGI Airport from 8:30 am to 11:30 am.
GRAP-4 Restrictions: A Brief Overview
The CAQM had imposed GRAP-4 restrictions on Wednesday due to the accumulation of pollutants caused by calm winds, low temperatures, and foggy conditions. These measures included a ban on all construction activities, the entry of non-essential polluting trucks into Delhi, and the mandatory shift of school classes (except for classes 10 and 12) to hybrid mode.
However, the restrictions were revoked just a day later as rainfall and improved wind conditions lead to a significant dip in pollution levels.
Key Takeaways
Here’s a quick summary of the key developments:
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| AQI Improvement | Dropped from “Severe” (400+) to “Very Poor” (302) |
| GRAP-4 Restrictions | revoked after rainfall improved air quality |
| Weather Conditions | Dense fog,smog,and rainfall reported across Delhi-NCR |
| Flight Disruptions | Several flights delayed due to low visibility; CAT-III operations in effect |
| Temperature | minimum: 10.3°C (2.7 notches above normal); Maximum: 19.6°C |
Looking Ahead
While the immediate improvement in air quality is a positive sign, Delhi’s battle with pollution is far from over. the city’s residents and authorities must remain vigilant as winter conditions often exacerbate air quality issues.For now, the rainfall has provided a temporary reprieve, but long-term solutions remain critical to addressing the root causes of pollution in the region.
Stay updated on Delhi’s air quality and weather conditions by following reliable sources and advisories. Let’s hope for clearer skies and healthier days ahead.
Delhi’s Air Quality and Weather Challenges: Insights from an Expert
Delhi recently witnessed a meaningful improvement in air quality following rainfall, which led to the revocation of GRAP-4 restrictions. To better understand the implications of these developments, we spoke with Dr. Ananya Sharma, an environmental scientist and air quality expert, about the challenges Delhi faces during its winter months, the role of GRAP-4, and the impact of weather conditions on daily life. Here’s what she had to say.
Understanding GRAP-4 and Its Impact
Senior Editor: Dr. Sharma, could you explain what GRAP-4 is and why it was implemented in Delhi?
Dr. Ananya Sharma: Certainly. GRAP-4, or the Graded Response Action Plan Stage 4, is the most stringent level of measures under the air quality management framework. It is indeed activated when the Air Quality Index (AQI) crosses 400, entering the “Severe” category. The measures include a ban on construction activities, restrictions on polluting vehicles, and a shift to hybrid learning for schools. These steps are crucial to curb emissions and protect public health during periods of extreme pollution.
senior Editor: The restrictions were revoked after just one day. What led to this fast turnaround?
dr. Ananya Sharma: The rainfall played a pivotal role.it helped disperse pollutants and improved wind conditions, leading to a significant drop in AQI levels. When the AQI fell below 400, the CAQM deemed it safe to lift the restrictions. However,this doesn’t mean the problem is solved. Delhi’s air quality remains fragile, and long-term solutions are essential.
Weather Conditions and Their Effects
Senior Editor: Delhi has been grappling with dense fog and smog. How do these conditions exacerbate air quality issues?
Dr. Ananya Sharma: Fog and smog act as a blanket, trapping pollutants close to the ground. This phenomenon, known as temperature inversion, is common during Delhi’s winters. The calm winds and low temperatures further worsen the situation by preventing the dispersion of pollutants. This combination creates a hazardous environment,especially for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.
Senior Editor: The recent rainfall brought some relief. How significant was its impact?
Dr. Ananya Sharma: The rainfall was a much-needed respite. it not only cleared the skies but also washed away particulate matter, improving visibility and air quality. However, this is a temporary solution. without addressing the root causes of pollution, such as vehicular emissions and industrial activities, the problem will persist.
Flight Disruptions and CAT-III Operations
Senior editor: The foggy conditions disrupted flights at Delhi Airport. Can you explain how CAT-III technology helps in such situations?
dr. Ananya Sharma: CAT-III is an advanced navigation system that allows aircraft to land and take off in low-visibility conditions,such as dense fog. It’s a critical feature for airports in regions like Delhi, where winter fog is a recurring challenge. However, not all flights are equipped with this technology, which is why passengers are advised to check with their airlines for updates during such conditions.
Looking Ahead: Long-Term Solutions
Senior Editor: What steps can Delhi take to address its air quality issues in the long term?
Dr. Ananya Sharma: Delhi needs a multi-pronged approach. First, we must reduce emissions from vehicles by promoting electric mobility and improving public transportation. Second, stricter regulations on industrial emissions and construction activities are essential. Third, increasing green cover and implementing sustainable urban planning can help mitigate pollution. Lastly, public awareness and community participation are crucial to drive these changes.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Sharma,for your insights. it’s clear that while the recent rainfall provided temporary relief, sustained efforts are needed to tackle Delhi’s air quality challenges.
Dr. Ananya Sharma: Absolutely. It’s a collective obligation, and we must act now to ensure a healthier future for Delhi and its residents.
Key Takeaways
- GRAP-4 restrictions were revoked after rainfall improved air quality, but long-term solutions are needed.
- Fog and smog worsen air quality by trapping pollutants, especially during winter.
- CAT-III technology is vital for flight operations during low-visibility conditions.
- sustainable measures, such as reducing emissions and increasing green cover, are essential for long-term improvement.
Stay informed about Delhi’s air quality and weather conditions by following reliable sources and advisories. Together, we can work towards cleaner skies and a healthier environment.
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