Today, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped to 234, placing the city in the ‘Poor’ air quality category. This data comes from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and highlights worsening air conditions in Delhi-NCR. Due to this drop in air quality, the Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) held a meeting to address the situation. The committee reviewed air quality data and forecasts, which predict that the air quality will stay in the ‘Poor’ category over the next few days due to unfavorable weather.
GRAP Stage-I Activated to Tackle Pollution
The Sub-Committee decided to activate Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which is designed to handle ‘Poor’ air quality (AQI ranging between 201-300). From 8:00 AM on October 15, 2024, all 27 actions under Stage-I of GRAP will be enforced across the entire NCR (National Capital Region). These actions aim to control pollution and improve air quality.
Actions Under GRAP Stage-I
The 27-point action plan under GRAP Stage-I includes strict measures to reduce pollution. Various agencies, including Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) of NCR states and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), will be responsible for implementing these steps. Some key actions include:
- Ensuring proper management of dust at construction sites.
- Regular cleaning of roads through mechanized sweeping and sprinkling of water to control dust.
- Banning open burning of waste and strict action against violators.
- Monitoring vehicles to check emissions and ensure that no old or polluting vehicles are on the road.
- Promoting the use of clean fuels in hotels, restaurants, and industries.
- Ensuring compliance with emission standards in industries and power plants.
The detailed plan of actions under GRAP Stage-I can be found on the Commission’s official website, https://caqm.nic.in.
Citizens’ Role in Reducing Pollution
The committee also urged the public to cooperate in reducing pollution by following the Citizen Charter under GRAP Stage-I. People are encouraged to take simple steps, such as:
- Keeping their vehicles in good condition and turning off engines at red lights.
- Using electric or hybrid vehicles to reduce pollution.
- Planting trees to improve air quality.
- Reporting any polluting activities through apps like the 311 App, Green Delhi App, or SAMEER App.
- Avoiding firecrackers during festivals and choosing eco-friendly celebrations.
- Not using vehicles that are 10-15 years old and avoiding burning garbage in open spaces.
Why Is GRAP Stage-I Important?
Stage-I of GRAP is triggered when the air quality falls into the ‘Poor’ category, which means the AQI is between 201 and 300. Poor air quality can affect people’s health, especially those with respiratory problems, the elderly, and children. GRAP is a set of emergency measures designed to prevent air quality from getting worse and to ensure that pollution levels are brought under control.
This plan focuses on limiting sources of pollution, such as vehicle emissions, dust from construction, industrial pollutants, and open waste burning. By implementing Stage-I, the government aims to prevent the AQI from slipping into even worse categories, like ‘Very Poor’ or ‘Severe’.
Important Steps to Follow
Here’s a list of actions that the Delhi-NCR citizens should take to help improve the air quality:
- Tune your vehicle regularly and maintain proper tyre pressure.
- Keep your Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate updated.
- Turn off your vehicle’s engine at red lights and avoid leaving it running unnecessarily.
- Use hybrid or electric vehicles when possible to reduce vehicular pollution.
- Do not litter or burn garbage in open spaces.
- Report any air-polluting activities using the 311 App, Green Delhi App, or SAMEER App.
- Plant trees to help combat pollution and celebrate festivals in an eco-friendly manner.
- Avoid driving vehicles that are more than 10-15 years old.
Measures for Businesses and Agencies
The Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) and other government agencies must follow strict guidelines to reduce industrial emissions and ensure cleaner air in Delhi-NCR. Key actions include:
- Strictly enforcing guidelines for construction and demolition (C&D) activities to prevent dust from spreading.
- Regularly cleaning roads and using anti-smog guns at large construction sites.
- Ensuring that only approved fuels are used in industries, brick kilns, and power plants.
- Deploying traffic police to manage congestion and ensure smooth traffic flow in busy areas.
These measures are essential to reducing the pollution levels and ensuring better air quality for all citizens in the region.
Looking Ahead: Monitoring and Next Steps
The government will closely monitor the air quality in the coming days and make further decisions based on how the pollution levels change. If necessary, additional actions under higher stages of GRAP will be implemented to protect the health of people living in Delhi-NCR.
The public is encouraged to stay informed by checking the latest updates on air quality through the SAMEER App or the official website of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
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