GRAP-1 Implemented: Anti-Pollution Curbs Back In Delhi As Air Quality Dips To ‘Poor’

With Delhi’s air quality deteriorating to the ‘Poor’ category ahead of the festive season, the Centre’s air quality panel on Tuesday ordered the immediate implementation of Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region. The decision was taken after the city’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 211.The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said the move was prompted by forecasts from the IMD and IITM, which predict that pollution levels are likely to remain in the ‘Poor’ category in the coming days.

The sub-committee responsible for GRAP has directed all relevant agencies in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana to enforce the anti-pollution measures with immediate effect to prevent further deterioration of the air quality.Under Stage I of GRAP, authorities will enforce a strict ban on open burning, intensify mechanized road sweeping and water sprinkling, and ensure that construction and demolition sites larger than 500 sqm are registered on the government portal.

The plan also mandates strict enforcement of pollution-under-control norms for vehicles and measures to curb dust from roads and open areas.Environmental experts attribute the recent spike in pollution to a combination of factors, including vehicular and industrial emissions, the beginning of crop residue burning in neighboring states, and meteorological conditions that trap pollutants in the air.

The CAQM is closely monitoring the situation and will review the need for stricter measures based on air quality trends.The government has also urged citizens to cooperate by adhering to the GRAP citizen charter, which includes recommendations to reduce outdoor activities, especially for sensitive groups, and to avoid burning any kind of waste.