Delhi-NCR activates Level 2 pollution curbs as air quality deteriorates

The Delhi-NCR region has activated Stage II of its pollution management protocol, marking an escalation in efforts to combat worsening air quality across the metropolitan area. The decision came after the Air Quality Index breached critical thresholds, signaling increased health risks for millions of residents.

Under GRAP-II, authorities have deployed a multi-pronged approach to reduce airborne pollutants. Mechanical sweeping of roads has been intensified alongside heightened water-sprinkling operations to suppress dust particles. Anti-smog cannons, also known as dust suppression guns, have been activated at multiple locations to help control particulate matter in the air.

The AQI reading of 324 recorded on Monday places the air quality in the "very poor" category, a level at which prolonged exposure poses significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. Such deterioration typically occurs during winter months when temperature inversions trap pollutants closer to the ground.

GRAP is a set of escalating measures that authorities implement based on air quality levels. Stage II follows the less stringent Stage I and precedes more severe restrictions on vehicle movement and industrial operations. Officials continue to monitor conditions closely as the region heads deeper into the winter season, when pollution levels historically worsen across northern India.