The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Wednesday imposed Stage-I restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR after the national capital’s air quality deteriorated to the ‘poor’ category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 244.
Under the first stage of GRAP, authorities have been directed to intensify dust-control measures, including mechanical road sweeping and water sprinkling, ensure proper disposal of waste and prevent open burning. Construction and demolition sites must also comply with prescribed dust-mitigation norms to curb pollution.
"The Air Quality lndex (AQI) of Delhi which was observed 179 (Moderate category)on October 20, has exhibited a sharp rise with AQI of 244 at 2 pm on October 21 (Poor category)," said the CAQM in a statement.
What Restrictions Come Under GRAP-I?
The first stage of GRAP is activated when the AQI ranges between 201 and 300. The measures are aimed at controlling dust, waste burning and emissions from different sources across the region.
Key measures under GRAP-I include:
- Road dust control: Authorities must intensify mechanical sweeping and water sprinkling on roads to prevent dust from becoming airborne.
- Construction sites: Dust-mitigation measures must be enforced at construction and demolition sites. Anti-smog guns and other dust-control equipment are required wherever prescribed under applicable norms.
- Waste management: Municipal solid waste and construction debris must be lifted and disposed of properly. Open burning of waste is prohibited.
- Tandoor restrictions: The use of coal and firewood as fuel in tandoors at hotels, restaurants and open eateries is restricted under the applicable GRAP provisions.
- Pollution monitoring: Agencies must strengthen inspections and enforcement against violations of pollution-control rules.
The measures are intended to prevent a further deterioration in air quality as pollution levels rise across Delhi-NCR.
CM Rekha Gupta Announces Winter Action Plan
The GRAP-I restrictions come a day after Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the government's Winter Action Plan on October 20, with measures scheduled to remain in force from November 1 to February 28.
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Under the plan, vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet BS-VI emission standards will be barred from entering the capital from November 1 to January 31.
The CM said, “Delhi is acting early and firmly against winter pollution. From 1 November to 31 January, non-Delhi vehicles below BS-6 norms will not be allowed to enter Delhi. No valid PUCC, no fuel. The Winter Action Plan will remain in force from 1 November to 28 February, with construction and demolition curbs, AI-based site monitoring, 50 per cent Work From Home and staggered office timings. Cleaner mobility through EV buses, Metro, last-mile connectivity and carpooling will support the effort. For our Right to Breathe, every action matters. Our Delhi, Our Responsibility.”
With CAQM forecasting that air quality could remain ‘poor’ over the coming days, authorities are expected to step up enforcement of the existing pollution-control measures across Delhi-NCR.