New Delhi: In view of the rising air pollution in the national capital and adjoining regions, GRAP Stage 2 measures have been enforced by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). The air pollutants are continuously rising in Delhi, ahead of Diwali. The AQI (Air Quality Index) in Delhi remained around 300 on Monday and at 4 pm it was recorded at 310.
The IMD/IITM forecasts also suggest that Delhi’s AQI may remain in the “very poor” category (301-400) in the coming days. The met department said that this is happening due to bad weather conditions and lack of wind. To prevent further deterioration of air quality, all necessary measures will be taken under Phase 2 of GRAP. These measures will be applicable across Delhi NCR from October 22 starting 8 am. In addition to this, GRAP-I measures will also remain in place.
The CAQM said, “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).
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GRAP Phase 2 measures
- The authorities will be responsible to carry out mechanical/vacuum sweeping and water sprinkling of the identified roads on a daily basis.
- Water sprinkling along with 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 construction and demolition (C&D) sites.
- Focussed 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.
- Uninterrupted power supply to discourage 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, Residential etc. 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 to necessarily provide electric heaters to security staff to avoid open Bio-Mass/ MSW burning during winters.
Advisory for city residents
The CAQM urged the citizens to adhere to the pollution control guidelines and restrictions and assist in effective implementation of the GRAP measures aimed towards improving the air quality in the region. The CAQM advised citizens to:
- Use public transport and minimize use of personal vehicles.
- Use technology, take less congested route even if slightly longer.
- Regularly replace air filters at recommended intervals in your automobiles.
- Avoid dust generating construction activities during months of October to January.
- Avoid open burning of solid waste and bio-mass.
