India Needs Year-Round Action to Tackle Air Quality Crisis and Winter Fog Hazards
Northern India is facing its annual cycle of severe air pollution and dense fog, leading to accidents and health crises. While fog itself doesn't increase toxicity, it traps residual emissions and reduces visibility, causing fatal road accidents and flight cancellations. In Delhi, the Air Quality Index (AQI) frequently enters the 'severe+' category (400+), triggering emergency restrictions under GRAP-4. These include bans on construction and shifting schools online. The editorial argues that the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) must move beyond reactive 'meetings' and implement year-round strategies to keep AQI below 350 regardless of weather conditions.
Key Points
- Fog exacerbates the pollution crisis by trapping moisture and residual emissions close to the ground.
- The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4) is the highest level of emergency restriction for air pollution in Delhi.
- Poor visibility due to fog has led to significant casualties on expressways and massive disruptions in aviation.
- Current policy responses are criticized as reactive; year-round mitigation is necessary to manage the Indo-Gangetic plain's air quality.
- The AQI in Delhi frequently breaks into the 'severe+' category, exceeding 400.
Exam Facts
- GRAP-4 (Graded Response Action Plan) bans construction/demolition and restricts vehicle types.
- Severe+ AQI category is defined as 400 and above.
- Over 228 flights were cancelled or delayed in Delhi on a single Monday due to fog.
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