Delhi Chokes As GRAP-2 Norms Violated; Health Risk Rises For Lakhs

Despite claims of strict enforcement, the provisions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-2) are being openly violated in Delhi. In many areas of the capital—including Mayur Vihar, Kashmiri Gate, Mandi House, Akshardham, Wazirpur, Punjabi Bagh, Okhla, Karol Bagh, Shahdara and Dwarka—dust is still rising and rubbish is being burnt in the open.

As a result, the AQI level in the national capital remains severe. Due to the smog, those who go for morning and evening walks are facing significant difficulties, and working women are having to go out wearing masks. Women, the elderly, and children are facing breathing difficulties.

While there are clear orders under GRAP-2 to control construction, ban diesel generators, and ensure regular water sprinkling, the ground reality is reportedly the opposite of official claims. Key violations include:

- Diesel generators running continuously in many places, including private buildings, shops, and factories during power cuts.

- A lack of water spraying along roadsides at construction sites.

- Dust control equipment at most construction sites reportedly lying unused.

- Soil accumulating in roadside pits and getting dispersed into the air.

- Dust-generating construction work continuing, with construction materials lying in the open.

- Water sprinkler machines not being deployed on many roads.

The action taken in response to complaints confirms this. Although the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and municipal bodies took initial swift action, figures suggest this has been limited.

In the last 48 hours, only 235 of Delhi's over 1,000 major construction sites were inspected. Work was completely halted at 57 of them. This highlights negligence in monitoring GRAP-2 restrictions. Similarly, fines were imposed in 145 cases following complaints of rubbish burning. The total amount collected in fines is not yet clear, but it is reported that an average fine of 5,000 to 20,000 rupees is being imposed per violation.

Also Read: Chhath Puja 2025: East Central Railway Deploys Extra Trains For Return Journey

Key Mandates Under GRAP-2

Complete Ban On Diesel Generators: All diesel sets to be shut down, except for emergency services.

Construction And Demolition (C&D): Measures to prevent dust from rising during C&D work.

Road Cleaning And Water Sprinkling: Daily mechanical sweeping, vacuum cleaning, and spraying with anti-smog guns on high-traffic roads, with a focus on hotspots.

Also Read: Uttarakhand Accident: 3 Dead, 2 Injured As Scorpio Carrying Wedding Guests Falls Into 300 Meter Gorge In Tehri

Promotion Of Public Transport: Increasing the frequency of DTC buses and the Metro, and doubling parking fees.

Strict Action Against Rubbish Burning: Fines (Rs 5,000- Rs 20,000 per case) for burning waste or biomass in the open.

Other Measures: Traffic management, 'industrial emission checks' for industrial units, and public awareness.