Delhi on Friday once again woke up to heavy smog and remained shrouded in a layer of haze, with air quality plunged into severe category in several parts of the national capital.
As per the Air Quality Index (AQI), the air quality was recorded in severe category at 405 in Bawana, 408 in Mundka, 404 in Jahangirpuri, and 412 in Shadipur.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) categorises air quality as good between 0-50, satisfactory between 51-100, moderate between 101-200, poor between 201-300, very poor between 301-400, and severe above 400.
On the one hand residents of Delhi are facing many difficulties due to high pollution levels, on the other hand the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-IV rules which are still in place have increased their plight. Residents are facing significant hardships as daily commute has become increasingly challenging, affecting personal and professional life across the city.
Speaking to Tehelka.com, Devendra Khushwaha, Advocate, Delhi High Court said that restrictions under GRAP IV are physically and mentally exhausting.
“The combination of restricted vehicle movement, overcrowded public transport, and hazardous air quality has made commuting under GRAP IV not only inconvenient but also physically and mentally exhausting. Additionally, Delivery and logistics services are also disrupted and restrictions on private vehicles, buses, causing delays and price surge,” he said.
Another resident who is an Entrepreneur in Delhi said that overcrowding metros and buses are contributing to stress and anxiety for common man.
“The implementation of GRAP IV does not appear to have a significant impact at this time. It is, however, exacerbating the difficulties faced by daily commuters, including myself. The overcrowding on buses, metros, and auto rickshaws is leading to delays and contributing to heightened stress and anxiety among the commuting public,” Prateek Tiwari, an Entrepreneur said.
Pooja, who is working in a multinational company and has to commute daily from Delhi to Gurugram, said that the condition of air quality despite GRAP IV in place, can have detrimental effects on mental and physical health, making it imperative to find solutions that address the wellbeing of all commuters.
“As a woman working in an MNC, I am increasingly concerned about the health implications of the current situation following the implementation of GRAP IV. While it was intended to improve environmental conditions, the result has only intensified the struggles of daily commuters like myself. These conditions can have detrimental effects on our mental and physical health, making it imperative to find solutions that address the wellbeing of all commuters,” she said.
Meanwhile, several parts of Delhi also recorded air quality under a very poor category. The AQI recorded 377 in Anand Vihar, 370 in Ashok Vihar, and 334 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
The Supreme Court on Thursday directed to continue all GRAP-IV measures except relating to schools in the national capital following the higher levels of air pollution, until next hearing on December 2. “We make it clear that all GRAP IV measures except the measures which are modified in respect of the schools will continue to operate till Monday. In the meantime, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) will hold a meeting and come out with the suggestion about moving from GRAP IV to GRAP III or GRAP II. We also make it clear that it is not necessary that all measures which are provided in GRAP IV should be dispensed with,” the court had said.
