Amid deteriorating air quality levels in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) Sub-Committee invoked the Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect. The implementation comes as the Air Quality Index (AQI) fluctuated between ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ categories, registering AQI figures of 397 and 409 respectively.
The CAQM Sub-Committee highlighted the sudden decline in air quality due to unfavorable meteorological conditions, including fog, hazy weather, and low wind speed. Consequently, an 8-point action plan has been reintroduced to combat the escalating pollution levels.
The renewed restrictions under GRAP Stage-III include intensifying mechanized or vacuum-based road sweeping and daily water sprinkling with dust suppressants on roads, hotspots, and high-traffic corridors. Agencies are directed to ensure proper disposal of collected dust in designated sites or landfills.
Public transport services are to be amplified, encouraging differential rates for off-peak travel. However, the order has imposed a strict ban on various construction and demolition activities across the NCR, exempting specific projects related to crucial services like railways, metro, airports, healthcare facilities, highways, and sanitation.
Activities generating dust or air pollution, such as structural construction, demolition works, and transportation of raw materials, have been prohibited. Conversely, non-polluting tasks like plumbing, electrical works, carpentry, and interior furnishing are allowed to continue.
Stone crushers’ operations and all mining-related activities in the NCR are to be halted. Additionally, the CAQM has urged state governments to impose stringent restrictions on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel four-wheelers’ movement in specific areas.
Addressing citizens, the CAQM order emphasizes using cleaner commute options, carpooling, or public transport, advocating work from home when possible. It urges people to abstain from using coal and wood for heating and recommends house owners to provide electric heaters to security staff to prevent open burning during winter. Citizens are advised to consolidate errands to reduce multiple trips, contributing to minimizing pollution.
As the region grapples with deteriorating air quality, these measures aim to mitigate pollution levels and enhance public health safety, urging citizens’ active participation in curbing pollution for a cleaner environment.
Sources By Agencies
