New Delhi: Even as stringent GRAP-4 restrictions were lifted following a brief improvement in air quality, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Friday cautioned that pollution levels could rise again due to changing weather conditions triggered by an approaching western disturbance.
Speaking to reporters, Sirsa said meteorological forecasts indicate that Delhi may soon experience unfavourable weather, including dense haze and fog, which could once again trap pollutants in the air. He warned that the relief witnessed over the past few days may be short-lived.
Citing inputs from the weather department and past trends, the minister said the impact of the western disturbance is expected to be felt in the national capital over the next couple of days. He noted that such conditions often lead to a sharp deterioration in air quality, increasing the risk of smog formation.
Urging residents to remain cautious despite the easing of restrictions, Sirsa appealed to people to continue following pollution-control norms. He advised against using vehicles without valid Pollution Under Control certificates and requested citizens to limit travel unless absolutely necessary.
Although the mandatory 50 per cent work-from-home provision has been withdrawn, the minister encouraged people to voluntarily reduce vehicle usage to help curb emissions. He stressed that individual responsibility remains crucial in preventing another pollution spike.
Sirsa also highlighted the role of biomass burning in worsening air quality and urged citizens not to burn garbage or light fires, especially during night hours. He said collective public participation is essential to sustain cleaner air in the city.
Warning that fog could quickly turn into smog if weather conditions deteriorate further, the minister said Delhi must remain on high alert. He added that while vehicles below BS-VI emission standards are currently permitted to enter the city following the rollback of GRAP-4 measures, avoiding their use would be a better option for the environment.
