The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned that a dust storm, likely to affect Delhi-NCR as it advected from North Pakistan, is moving towards Delhi-NCR via Punjab and Haryana.
The agency said the movement occurs under strong lower-level westerly winds prevailing over Punjab and Haryana.
The IMD department further informed that the dust has been gradually shifting eastward, improving visibility over the Palam area of Delhi, which is currently reporting visibility at 4000 meters.
Visibility conditions above 1000 meters are not considered a significant dust storm or dust event, as per IMD. Meanwhile, Delhi is bearing the heat, with average temperatures in the high 30s Celsius. The pollution levels have also begun to climb.
Meanwhile, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reintroduced Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR after a significant decline in air quality.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 278, placing it in the ‘Poor’ category. The increase in pollution levels was primarily caused by dust-laden winds, leading to a drop in air quality across the region.
Key restrictions under Stage-1
Stage-1 of GRAP focuses on cutting pollution at its source, especially from dust, vehicles, and industrial emissions. The following restrictions are now in place across the National Capital Region:-Dust control is mandatory at all construction and demolition sites. Projects larger than 500 square metres must have an approved dust management plan.
-Open burning of garbage, leaves, and other waste is banned.
-The use of coal or firewood in roadside food stalls and commercial kitchens is prohibited. Hotels, restaurants, and open eateries must use only electricity, gas, or other clean fuels for cooking.
-Diesel generators are restricted, except for essential or emergency use.
-Vehicles that visibly pollute the air can be fined or impounded.
-Traffic regulations include the deployment of traffic police at key intersections and instructions for drivers to switch off engines at red lights.
-Diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years remain banned in Delhi.
-Residents are advised to turn off engines at red lights and avoid idling. Prefer hybrid or electric vehicles to reduce emissions.
-Firecrackers are banned across NCR until January 1, 2025 — including production, sale, and storage.
-Polluting industries and thermal power plants within 300 km of Delhi face enforcement action.
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