To mitigate the worsening air quality, the Sub-Committee constituted by Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has resolved to implement all measures outlined under Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) amid ‘Very Poor‘ air quality (AQI ranging between 301-400) in the Delhi-NCR region.
These actions will be enforced in addition to the Stage-I measures already in place, effective from October 22, 8.00 am.
The decision aims to address the deteriorating air quality and prevent further degradation by ensuring strict adherence to the GRAP guidelines.
According to the issued order, the Sub-Committee, which was formed to initiate actions under the GRAP, convened on October 21, to thoroughly assess the air quality situation in the region. They also examined the predictions for meteorological conditions and the air quality index of Delhi provided by IMD/IITM. Since morning, Delhi’s AQI has been fluctuating around 300, and at 4:00 P.M., it was recorded at 310.
According to IMD/IITM forecasts, Delhi’s AQI is expected to remain in the “very poor” category in the upcoming days due to unfavorable meteorological and climatic conditions, as well as calm winds. Thus, ” in an effort to prevent further deterioration of the air quality, the Sub-Committee decided that ALL actions as envisaged under Stage II of the GRAP – ‘Very Poor’ Air Quality (DELHI AQI ranging between 301-400) be implemented in right earnest by all the agencies concerned in the NCR, in addition to the Stage-I actions already in force, from 8:00 A.M. of 22.10.2024 in the National Capital Region (NCR),” read the order.
What the order includes:
As per the order, following are the instructions for the authorities:
- Carry out mechanical/vacuum sweeping and water sprinkling of the identified roads on a daily basis.
- Ensure water sprinkling along with the use of dust suppressants (at least every alternate day, during non-peak hours) on roads to arrest road dust especially at hotspots, heavy traffic corridors, vulnerable areas, and proper disposal of dust collected in designated sites/landfills.
- Intensify inspections for strict enforcement of dust control measures at C&D (Construction and Demolition) sites.
- Ensure focused and targeted action for abatement of air pollution in all identified hotspots in NCR. Intensify remedial measures for the predominant sector(s) contributing to adverse air quality in each of such hotspots.
- Ensure uninterrupted power supply to discourage the use of alternate power Generating sets/equipment (DG sets, etc.).
- Strictly implement the Schedule for regulated operations of DG sets across all sectors in the NCR, including Industrial, Commercial, and Residential sectors, in accordance with Direction No. 76 dated 29.09.2023.
- Synchronize traffic movements and deploy adequate personnel at intersections/traffic congestion points for smooth flow of traffic.
- Alert in newspapers/TV/radio to advise people about air pollution levels and Do’s and Don’ts for minimizing polluting activities.
- Enhance vehicle parking fees to discourage private transport.
- Augment CNG/electric bus and metro services by inducting additional fleet and increasing the frequency of service.
- Resident Welfare Associations must provide electric heaters to security staff to avoid open Bio-Mass/MSW burning during winters.
Further, residents are also urged to follow the citizen charter and support the effective implementation of GRAP measures to improve regional air quality. This includes using public transport, minimising personal vehicle use, opting for less congested routes, regularly replacing car air filters, avoiding dust-generating construction from October to January, and refraining from open burning of solid waste and biomass.