n response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) formally invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-3) across the Delhi-NCR region
KRC TIMES National Bureau
NEW DELHI
The National Capital Region is grappling with a dual crisis as severe toxic smog blankets the city alongside relentless rescue operations following a catastrophic structural collapse in Central Delhi.
Hazardous Smog Grips Delhi; GRAP-3 Imforced
Delhi’s air quality deteriorated sharply, sliding deep into the “very poor” to “severe” category. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 364, with multiple monitoring stations crossing into the hazardous 400-plus severe bracket.
In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) formally invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-3) across the Delhi-NCR region.
- Strict Restrictions: The emergency protocols mandate an immediate, absolute ban on all non-essential construction and demolition (C&D) activities, stone crushing, and mining-related operations.
- Traffic & Transport Controls: Authorities have stepped up checks on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel commercial vehicles, while local administrations work to curb dust pollution through intensive mechanical sweeping and water sprinkling on major corridors.
- Health Advisory: Experts and government bodies have advised children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions to minimise outdoor exposure as stagnant wind speeds threaten to trap pollutants near the surface over the coming days.
Old Delhi Building Collapse: Death Toll Climbs to Seven
Concurrently, round-the-clock rescue and recovery operations have entered their fourth consecutive day following the tragic collapse of an unauthorised three-storey building in the Hauz Qazi area near Chawri Bazar in Old Delhi.
- Tragic Toll: Rescuers recovered additional bodies from the rubble, pushing the confirmed death toll to seven. Emergency personnel, including National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, are meticulously combing through tons of debris amidst fears that individuals may still be trapped.
- Legal Action: Police have registered a case and arrested the owner of the building following preliminary inquiries indicating that unauthorized construction work and structural alterations were underway at the time of the collapse.
Local civil authorities and medical teams remain on high alert at Lok Narayan Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital to assist victims’ families as multi-agency operations continue at both fronts.
