Air severe, all classes except 10 & 12 to go hybrid in Delhi-NCR, 50% office staff will work from home, Pg4

Key Highlights:

• Delhi-NCR's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 431, categorized as Severe, triggering GRAP 4 implementation.
• Delhi schools directed to conduct classes in hybrid mode for students up to Class 9 and Class 11, also applicable to schools in Gurgaon, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar.
• Delhi government mandates a 50% work-from-home arrangement for staff in government and private offices, with exceptions for essential services.
• The worst air quality of the year was recorded, surpassing the previous high of 428 on November 11, with vehicular emissions being the largest contributor (18%).

Detailed Insights:

• The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage IV actions under Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) due to worsening air quality.
• Temperature inversion, trapping colder air and pollutants, combined with slow wind speed, contributed to the rapid deterioration of AQI.
• Vehicular emissions contributed 18% to pollution on December 12, followed by industries at 10%, with significant pollution transported from Jhajjar (13%) and Sonipat (8.6%).
• GRAP includes stringent vehicular restrictions and a ban on all construction and demolition activities to mitigate the pollution levels.
• The Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to improve to the 'Very Poor' category (301-400) following the implementation of GRAP 4 measures.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Air Quality Index (AQI): A metric used to indicate air pollution levels and associated health risks.
• Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): A set of measures implemented in stages based on air quality to combat pollution.
• Temperature Inversion: A meteorological phenomenon where warm air traps cooler air near the surface, exacerbating pollution.