Delhi's air quality deteriorated to the 'poor' category, triggering Stage 1 measures under the Graded Response Action Plan
NEW DELHI: Delhi’s air quality deteriorated to the ‘poor’ category on Wednesday, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to invoke Stage 1 measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect.Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI), which stood at 179 in the ‘moderate’ category on October 20, rose to 244 by 2pm on October 21, according to the CAQM order, news agency PTI reported.The sub-committee on GRAP took the decision after reviewing the prevailing air quality, meteorological forecasts and pollution levels.
Forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) indicated that Delhi’s AQI was likely to remain in the ‘poor’ category over the coming days.
What restrictions come under GRAP-1?
Under Stage 1 of GRAP, the use of coal and firewood as fuel in tandoors at hotels, restaurants and open eateries is prohibited.The use of diesel generator sets is restricted, with exemptions for emergency and essential services as specified under the plan, PTI reported.The CAQM has directed agencies concerned across the NCR to implement the measures immediately and ensure that air quality does not deteriorate further.
It has also urged citizens to follow the restrictions and cooperate with enforcement agencies.GRAP is a set of emergency measures implemented in stages to prevent further deterioration in air quality. The restrictions become progressively stricter as pollution levels rise.
How are the GRAP stages triggered?
Stage 1 is invoked when the AQI is in the ‘poor’ category, between 201 and 300.Stage 2 applies to the ‘very poor’ category, with AQI between 301 and 400.Stage 3 is triggered when the AQI is between 401 and 450, while Stage 4 applies when it exceeds 450.
What other anti-pollution measures has Delhi announced?
The GRAP-1 action comes days after the Delhi government announced its winter action plan to tackle air pollution.The plan, scheduled to run from November 1 to February 28, includes a ban on the entry of vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet BS-VI emission standards.The government has also announced a ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ policy, under which vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate will not be allowed to buy fuel at petrol pumps.Other measures include restrictions on construction and demolition activities, checks on the transportation of construction materials and steps to control road dust.The government has also proposed measures to promote public transport and electric buses as part of its broader effort to curb pollution during the winter months.
(With agency inputs)