Pollution in Delhi: Restrictions under the second stage of the Graduated Response Action Plan (GRAP) came into effect in the national capital on Monday (October 21), as several areas in the National Capital Region recorded a quality index of air quality (AQI) above 300 under “very poor” conditions. ‘ category. Phase II of GRAP across the National Capital Region (NCR) will be triggered from 8 am on October 22.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered “good”, 51 and 100 as “satisfactory”, 101 and 200 as “moderate”, 201 and 300 as “poor”, 301 and 400 as “very poor” and between 401 and 500 as “severe”.

Delhi AQI likely to remain in ‘very low category’

In an order issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the statutory body directed the implementation of the revised GRAP schedule. The order said that the subcommittee formed to invoke the actions under the GRAP, in its meeting held on October 21, 2024, comprehensively reviewed the air quality scenario in the region, as well as the Delhi weather and air quality forecast provided by IMD and IITM.

He further mentioned that the IMD/IITM forecast also indicates that Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) is likely to remain in the ‘Very Poor’ category (AQI 301-400) in the coming days due to unfavorable weather and climate conditions, including calm winds. “Therefore, in an effort to prevent further deterioration of air quality, the Subcommittee decided that all actions in GRAP Phase II – “Very Poor Air Quality” (AQI 301- 400) – would be seriously implemented by all relevant agencies in the NCR, in addition to the Phase I actions already in force, with effect from 8:00 a.m. on October 22, 2024, in the National Capital Region. prescription.

Here’s what’s prohibited

• Perform daily mechanical/vacuum sweeping and watering of identified roads.
• Ensure water sprinkling as well as use of dust suppressants (at least every other day, outside peak hours) on roads to stop road dust, especially in hot spots, corridors high traffic, vulnerable areas, and proper disposal of dust collected in designated sites. /discharges.
• Intensify inspections to ensure strict compliance with the rules. control measures at C&D sites.
• Ensure focused and targeted action to reduce air pollution in all identified hotspots in the NCR. Intensify corrective measures for the predominant sector(s) contributing to poor air quality in each of these hotspots.
• Ensure uninterrupted power supply to discourage the use of alternative power generation sets/equipment (DG sets, etc.).
• Strictly implement the schedule of regulated operations of DG sets in all sectors of the NCR, including industrial, commercial, residential and offices, etc., in accordance with Instruction No. 76 dated 29.09.2023 .
• Synchronize traffic movements and deploy adequate personnel at intersections/congestion points for smooth traffic flow.
• Newspaper/TV/radio alert to inform people about air pollution levels and the do’s and don’ts to minimize polluting activities.
• Increase parking fees to discourage private transport.
• Increase CNG/electric bus and metro services by introducing additional fleets and increasing service frequency.
• Residents’ welfare associations must necessarily provide electric heaters to security personnel to avoid open burning of biomass and MSW during winters.

GRAP Stage-II Guidelines for Citizens

• People should use public transportation and minimize the use of personal vehicles.
• Use technology and take less crowded routes, even if they are slightly longer.
• Replace air filters regularly at the recommended intervals in your automobiles.
• Avoid dust-generating construction activities during the months of October through January.
• Avoid burning solid waste and biomass in the open air.

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