The air quality in Delhi continues to oscillate between “very poor” and “severe” levels, forcing authorities to impose the strictest restrictions under stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). However, Delhiites may get some sort of relief in the coming days from alarming levels of air pollution due to a fresh western disturbance.
The Western Disturbance is likely to cause light/moderate rainfall/snowfall over the Western Himalayan Region till November 10 and over adjoining plains on November 9, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
It has led to a southeasterly shift in the wind direction and an increase in wind speed of around 5kmph from calm conditions (0 speed) around 6 am on Tuesday morning, Hindustan Times reported.
A slight uptick in wind speed has resulted in a minimal decrease in air pollution levels across the National Capital Region.
“As forecast by us, the western disturbance has brought relief. This will stay on for a few days,” IMD Director General M Mohapatra said.
Rains Likely in North India This Week
Isolated to scattered rainfall over Himachal Pradesh from November 8-10, over Uttarakhand on November 9-10, and over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and West Rajasthan on November 9 is likely under the influence of the Western Disturbance and an induced cyclonic circulation which lies over Northwest Rajasthan and neighbourhood in lower tropospheric level.
Since Diwali will be celebrated on November 12 this year, there is a possibility that people of Delhi-NCR may get some respite from current air pollution levels in the view of rains in parts of north India.
Mahesh Palawat, vice president of climate and meteorology, Skymet Weather told HT that the situation may improve in Delhi from from November 11 when the western disturbance moves away and northwesterly winds pick up speed blowing at 15-20kmph. “That will help pollutants disperse,” he said.
The Supreme Court came down heavily on state governments in NCR and said stubble burning should be stopped to control rising air pollution. The apex court noted that stubble burning remains a substantial contributor to the pollution in NCR.
Delhi Pollution: Trucks, Construction for Public Projects Banned; 50% Staff in Offices | GRAP IV Explained
Curbs in Delhi as GRAP-IV Comes Into Force
A ban on diesel trucks, construction and work from home for offices are among restrictions under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) came into force in Delhi-NCR from Sunday as the air quality index (AQI) clocked in the severe category.
Unfavorable meteorological conditions, very high incidents of farm fires and low speed North-Westerly winds moving the pollutants to Delhi are the major causes for the sudden spike in AQI, the CAQM said in an order.
As per the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas (CAQM), an 8-point action plan as per Stage-IV of GRAP is applicable with immediate effect from today in the entire NCR.
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