On the morning of November 18, 2024, the national capital declared an air emergency in Delhi as it recorded its highest Air Quality Index (AQI) of the season, at 481. Authorities attributed the major cause to “unfavorable” weather conditions in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). Good AQIs range from 0 to 50, tolerable AQIs range from 51 to 100, moderate AQIs range from 101 to 200, bad AQIs range from 201 to 300, very poor AQIs range from 301 to 400, severe AQIs range from 401 to 450, and severe-plus AQIs fall over 450.

Emergency Measures Under GRAP-4

Under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented more stringent pollution control measures, which went into effect at 8 a.m. on November 18. On November 17, the CAQM Sub-Committee held an urgent meeting to assess the air emergency in Delhi and the IMD/IITM-provided weather and AQI projections.

On November 17, Delhi’s AQI recorded 441 at 4:00 PM and increased to 447, 452, and 457 at five, six, and seven in the evening, respectively, to achieve the Severe+ category. Due to strong fog, erratic gusts, and extremely unfavorable weather, the average AQI is predicted to stay in the severe zone. The AQI is expected to remain high in the Severe to Severe+ level during the next few days.

Also Read: India’s Air Pollution Crisis: Causes, Impacts, And Urgent Solutions

Restrictions and Health Advisory

Truck travel into Delhi is prohibited while GRAP-4 is activated, except for those transporting necessities. Only trucks that are BS-VI diesel, LNG, CNG, or electric are permitted access. Except for EVs, CNG, and BS-VI diesel, light commercial vehicles (LCVs) licensed outside of Delhi are prohibited unless they transport necessities.

All building and demolition projects, including public works like roads, flyovers, highways, and electricity transmission lines, have been halted. The GNCTD and NCR State Governments might opt to transition students in classes VI to IX and XI from in-person teaching to online learning. Offices may only be 50% full, with the remaining employees working from home. Work-from-home arrangements may also be permitted by central government agencies. College closures, non-essential business operations, and the introduction of odd-even car laws are a few other emergency measures that may be considered in light of the air emergency in Delhi. CAQM advised people with cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, as well as children and the elderly, to remain indoors to avoid exposure.

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