Delhi woke up under a blanket of thick smog on Thursday, with visibility sharply reduced and pollution levels soaring. Private tracker AQI.in recorded an alarming AQI of 548, while the Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) registered a still-severe 349. Yet, amid the grim morning visuals, administrative action later in the day brought a glimmer of good news for residents.
Also Read: Supreme Court Says No “Magic Wand” to Solve Delhi-NCR Pollution, Calls for Continuous Monitoring
Public Concerns Intensify as Citizens Seek Stronger Governance
Amid deteriorating air quality across Delhi-NCR, former IPS officer and ex-Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, Ms. Kiran Bedi, appealed to the Prime Minister’s Office for timely and proactive intervention.
She highlighted that pollution levels in her locality, Indirapuram, had touched 587, prompting her to keep her child home from school and write firmly to the principal.
Her call for action sparked wide public reaction online, with citizens urging stronger environmental governance and expressing concerns over delayed interventions.
Digital Reactions Reflect Demand for Stronger Environmental Administration
Several users responded to Ms. Bedi’s post, pointing out the need for quicker administrative measures and even suggesting emergency responses such as reinstating nationwide work-from-home as an immediate relief strategy.
The digital discourse highlighted a growing public expectation for accountability, environmental planning, and clearer execution strategies during deteriorating air quality phases.
Government Action: GRAP Stage III Restrictions Revoked
In a positive development, the Commission for Air Quality Management’s Sub-Committee announced the revocation of Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across NCR.
Authorities stated that the Air Quality Index has shown consistent improvement over the past three days, with forecasts from the IMD and IITM indicating that levels will remain in the ‘Very Poor’ category, but are unlikely to worsen drastically.
Given the disruptive nature of Stage III curbs on livelihood and mobility, the panel decided to lift the restrictions, offering much-needed relief to commuters, industries, and small businesses.
A Step Toward Stability as Forecasts Show Controlled Conditions Ahead
The decision showcases a balanced approach—addressing both environmental conditions and socio-economic needs—while keeping emergency measures ready should pollution levels spike again. The trend offers cautious optimism for Delhi residents seeking cleaner air and smoother daily activities.
Also Read: 80% of Delhi-NCR Residents Considering Leaving the City Amid Severe Air Pollution Crisis
