Delhi invokes Stage III anti-pollution curbs as air worsens two days before Diwali

Two days before Diwali, Delhi and the National Capital Region moved to Stage III emergency air-pollution curbs on 6 November. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed the capital's air quality index (AQI) at 382 at 4 p.m., in the “very poor” band, while monitoring stations at IIT Delhi and Rohini recorded 474 each.

Older cars banned, construction halted, primary classes go hybrid

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) sub-committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) decided to invoke Stage III as a precautionary measure. The curbs include a ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel light motor vehicles in Delhi and the NCR districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar (Noida); a complete halt to non-essential construction and demolition, including earthwork, piling, trenching and open-air ready-mix concrete plants; and hybrid classes — a mix of in-person and online lessons — for students up to Class 5 in Delhi and those districts. Authorities also encouraged people to work from home and postpone private gatherings.

From 60 to 382 in a week; worse to come

Delhi's air has deteriorated fast in a week: heavy rain pushed the AQI down to 60 on 30 October, it rose to 324 on 2 November, when Stage II was invoked, then 369 on 5 November and 382 on 6 November. The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology forecast “severe” air quality for 7–9 November, covering the Diwali weekend. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said wind speeds were expected to fall further from Saturday, trapping pollutants near the ground and pushing the AQI higher. The Supreme Court also heard the Delhi pollution matter on Friday.

Diwali falls on Sunday 8 November, and the widespread use of firecrackers usually worsens the air further. Delhi is ranked the world's most polluted city several times each winter.

Sources: Reuters, IANS, Indian Express, Hindustan Times, Central Pollution Control Board.