Air quality across the Delhi-NCR and adjoining states continues to deteriorate with most recording 'Ver Poor' air quality as thick, toxic haze engulfed the cities' skyline. Delhi recorded 'severe' air quality with AQI at 436, as per CPCB data (8 am). The final and fourth stage of the Centre's Graded Action Response Plan (GRAP) has been enforced in the region to combat the rising pollution levels.
The Centre's action comes as part of Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) -- the Centre's air pollution control plan which is implemented in the region during the winter season. GRAP categorises actions into four stages: Stage I - 'poor' (AQI 201-300); Stage II - 'very poor' (AQI 301-400); Stage III - 'severe' (AQI 401-450); and Stage IV - 'severe plus' (AQI above 450).
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change that NCR State Governments and the Delhi Government may consider discontinuing physical classes for students in classes VI to IX and class XI. Instead, they are advised to conduct lessons in an online mode to protect students from the harmful effects of air pollution.
State Governments have also been advised to consider the closure of colleges and educational institutions to protect students and staff from the health risks associated with poor air quality.
Doctors have advised residents in Delhi and other states like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab to remain indoors and go about only if necessary. Work from home has been advised for 50 percent of employees in Delhi whereas Gurugram DC has ordered the Residents Welfare Associations (RWAs) to install sprinklers apart from other pollution-controlling measures.
With numbers only going low as far as air pollution is concerned, state governments have begun deploying sprinklers to reduce the pollutants present in the air.
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