Delhi Air Crisis: Grap 3 Lifted, but Pollution Persists Amid Calls for Stricter Measures
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The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked Grap Stage 3 restrictions on Wednesday, despite Delhi's air quality remaining 'very poor' for the 21st consecutive day. The decision allows construction activities and older diesel vehicles to resume, but has been met with frustration from citizens and experts who call for more stringent measures to tackle pollution. The 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi stood at 327 on Wednesday, a marginal improvement from previous days but still in the 'very poor' category. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) classifies air between 301-400 as 'very poor', causing respiratory discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure. Experts argue that the decision to lift restrictions was premature, given forecasts indicating continued 'very poor' air quality in the coming days. Mukesh Khare, an air pollution expert from IIT Delhi, said, "We know temperatures are dipping and the AQI keeps fluctuating at this time of the year. November, December, and January are crucial months, and we should not jump the gun during such months, unless there is rain and considerable improvement.
