GRAP, Road Sprinkling, Water Guns: Why Nothing Seems To Clear Delhi’s Air

Delhi-NCR continues to battle hazardous air pollution despite GRAP measures, road sprinkling and anti-smog guns.

Delhi's pollution is no longer just a number flashing red on air quality monitors. It is visible on roads, hangs over neighbourhoods and has become difficult to ignore for anyone stepping outdoors.

Despite the enforcement of pollution-control measures, including road sprinkling, mechanical sweeping and anti-smog guns, the national capital continues to struggle with worsening air quality.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR on November 2 after the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed to 324, placing it in the 'Very Poor' category. However, the measures have offered little immediate relief.

Delhi's AQI stood at 369 on November 4, while several monitoring stations recorded readings in the Severe category. Mandir Marg reported an AQI of 508.

The question is why the familiar pollution-control measures are failing to deliver visible improvement.

GRAP Stage II includes intensified mechanical cleaning of roads, water sprinkling with dust suppressants, deployment of anti-smog guns, stricter checks on polluting vehicles and enforcement of construction dust norms. Authorities have also been asked to increase public transport services and curb the use…

Original source: https://www.timesnownews.com/delhi