During its meeting held on 05.10.2022, the sub-committee set up to invoke actions within the framework of the GRAP decided to invoke all the actions envisaged within the framework of phase I of the GRAP – Air quality “poor »
The Commission for Air Quality Management in the NCR and Adjacent Areas (CAQM) reiterated to all implementing agencies of central and state governments in the NCR to strictly implement the actions of the phase I of the Graduated Response Action Plan (GRAP) considering the air quality index in NCR. He also urged citizens to cooperate in respecting the Citizens’ Charter of the respective stages and to help in the effective implementation of the GRAP measures to improve the overall air quality in the region.
Delhi’s air quality deteriorated to the “poor” category on October 5, 2021, although it improved thereafter. As the air quality has again reached the “poor” category, the actions under phase I of the GRAP must be intensified by all parties concerned.
The CAQM sub-committee examines the measures taken to reduce air pollution and also closely monitors the air quality parameters in the NCR in accordance with forecast weather conditions and the air quality index. “mediocre” tune made available by the IMD/IITM.
During its meeting of 05.10.2022, the sub-committee constituted to invoke actions within the framework of the GRAP decided to invoke all the actions envisaged within the framework of stage I of the GRAP – Air quality “poor ” (DELHI AQI between 201 and 300). This order was issued on 05.10.2022 and is still in effect.
The Commission has, from time to time, issued notices and guidelines containing policy initiatives and actions to improve air quality in the region. So far, the CAQM has issued 68 instructions and 7 notices to state governments and other agencies in the NCR.
In line with the revised GRAP, a 24-point action plan in line with GRAP Stage 1 is already in place across the NCR as of 05.10.2022. This 24-point action plan includes steps such as: closing construction and demolition (C&D) activities of projects with a land size equal to or greater than 500 m² that have not been registered on the “ NCR State Government‘s web portal; proper implementation of guidelines on dust mitigation measures and sound environmental management of construction and demolition (C&D) waste; regular lifting of municipal solid waste (MSW), C&D waste and hazardous waste from dedicated landfills; periodic mechanized sweeping and/or water sprinkling of the road; use of anti-smog guns at C&D sites; ban on open burning of biomass and municipal solid waste; strict vigilance and application of PUC standards; strict prohibitions against using DG sets as a regular source of electrical power; use of approved fuels only in industrial areas; etc be strictly implemented/ensured by different agencies, National Pollution Control Commissions in NCR and DPCC.
In addition, various agencies responsible for implementing the measures under the GRAP and the National Pollution Control Commissions (PCBs) of the NCR and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) have been informed to ensure the strict implementation of the actions of stage 1 within the framework of the GRAP. The detailed revised GRAP timetable is available on the Commission’s website.
