The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region with immediate effect after Delhi’s daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 226, placing it in the ‘Poor’ category, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on Thursday, 16 April.
The CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP took the decision after reviewing the prevailing air quality situation along with weather and meteorological forecasts provided by the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology.
During the meeting, it was noted that Delhi’s AQI has been on an increasing trend due to unfavourable meteorological conditions, and forecasts indicate that air quality is likely to remain in the ‘Poor’ category over the next two days.
In view of this, the Sub-Committee directed the implementation of all 31 measures under Stage-I of the extant GRAP framework across the NCR to prevent further deterioration in air quality levels.
The measures include strict enforcement of dust mitigation norms at construction and demolition sites, mechanised road sweeping and water sprinkling, proper management of waste, and prohibition on open burning of biomass and municipal solid waste.
Authorities have also been directed to ensure strict compliance with vehicular emission norms, including enforcement of Pollution Under Control (PUC) certification, action against visibly polluting vehicles, and diversion of non-destined trucks through peripheral expressways.
Authorities have been directed to ensure that only approved fuels are used by industries, enforce compliance with prescribed emission standards, and take strict action against non-compliant industrial units and thermal power plants.
Additional steps include ensuring diesel generator sets are not used as a regular source of power, maintaining uninterrupted electricity supply, enforcing restrictions on polluting fuels in commercial establishments, and augmenting public transport services, including increasing the frequency of CNG and electric buses.
The CAQM has directed all implementing agencies, including Pollution Control Boards and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, to maintain strict vigilance and ensure effective implementation of the measures.
The Sub-Committee will continue to monitor the air quality situation and undertake periodic reviews to assess the need for further action based on AQI trends and forecasts.
