A 9-point action plan as per Stage III of GRAP is applicable with immediate effect from in the entire NCR.
New Delhi: To address the deteriorating air quality of the National Capital Region (NCR), the Sub-Committee for invoking actions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas (CAQM) on Saturday held an emergency meeting. The Commission while comprehensively reviewing the overall air quality parameters during the meeting noted that due to unfavorable meteorological conditions with slower wind speed and sudden spike in the farm fire incidents, it is considered necessary to implement Stage III of GRAP with immediate effect in the entire NCR.
As per the model and weather/ meteorological forecast, the overall air quality over Delhi is likely to remain in Very Poor to Severe category from 29th and 30th October. The air quality is likely to deteriorate and remain in severe category from 31st October to 1st November and for the subsequent six days, the air quality is likely to fluctuate between Severe to very poor category. The winds are forecasted to be CALM in the coming days and the wind direction is likely to change course frequently. Thus, there is a high likelihood of the pollutants getting trapped in the region and not getting dispersed effectively.
The Sub-committee exhaustively reviewed the air quality scenario in the region and noted that the air quality parameters are likely to dip in the coming days and in an effort to address the AQI of Delhi-NCR, the sub-committee has taken the call to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage III of the GRAP – ‘Severe’ Air Quality (DELHI AQI ranging between 401-450), with immediate effect in the entire NCR. This is in addition to the restrictive actions mentioned in Stage I and Stage II of GRAP. Various agencies responsible for implementing measures under GRAP and Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) of NCR and DPCC have also been advised to ensure strict implementation of actions of Stage III under GRAP during this period.
The CAQM appeals to the citizens of NCR to cooperate in implementing GRAP and follow the steps mentioned in the Citizen Charter under GRAP. Citizens are advised to choose a cleaner commute – share a ride to work or use public transport or walk or cycle. People, whose positions allow working from home, may work from home. Do not use coal and wood for heating purpose. Individual house owners may provide electric heaters (during winters) to security staff to avoid open burning and combine errands and reduce trips. Walk to errands wherever possible.
Apart from that, a 9-point action plan as per Stage III of GRAP is applicable with immediate effect from in the entire NCR. This 9-point action plan includes steps to be implemented/ ensured by different agencies and Pollution Control Boards of NCR and DPCC. These steps are included intensified frequency of mechanised/ vacuum-based sweeping of roads.
Daily water sprinkling along with use of dust suppressants, before peak traffic hours, on roads and right of ways including hotspots, heavy traffic corridors and proper disposal of the collected dust in designated sites/ landfills.
Intensification of public transport services. Introduce differential rates to encourage off peak travel, enforce strict ban on construction and demolition activities in the entire NCR, except for the following categories of projects railway services/railway stations, metro rail services including stations, airports and interstate bus terminals. National security/defence related activities/ projects of national importance, hospitals/ health care facilities.
Linear public projects such as highways, roads, flyovers, over bridges, power transmission, pipelines etc. Sanitation projects like sewage treatment plants and water supply projects, etc. Ancillary activities specific to and supplementing above categories of projects.
