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The escalating air pollution crisis in Delhi NCR has prompted the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to activate Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), known as GRAP II. This decision comes after the national capital's daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a concerning 310 on Monday, categorized as 'Very Poor.' The implementation of GRAP II mandates a series of stringent measures across the NCR, aimed at curbing further deterioration of air quality.
The measures outlined in GRAP II are designed to address the various sources of air pollution, targeting both individual citizens and authorities. For residents, the recommendations emphasize responsible actions such as prioritizing public transport over personal vehicles, choosing less congested routes even if longer, and regularly replacing air filters in their vehicles. The plan also urges citizens to avoid dust-generating construction activities between October and January, a crucial period for air quality management, and to refrain from burning solid waste or biomass in the open.
Authorities across the NCR have been issued a comprehensive set of instructions for managing the escalating air pollution levels. These include daily mechanical or vacuum sweeping and water sprinkling on identified roads, as well as water sprinkling with dust suppressants used every alternate day on roads, especially in hotspots and high-traffic areas, with proper disposal of collected dust. The plan calls for intensified inspections to ensure strict dust control measures at construction and demolition sites, along with targeted actions to reduce pollution in identified hotspots, focusing on the main sectors causing poor air quality.
Furthermore, the plan emphasizes uninterrupted power supply to prevent the use of backup generators, which are significant contributors to air pollution. Strict enforcement of the schedule regulating operations of diesel generators across all sectors in the NCR, including industrial, commercial, and residential, is also crucial. Synchronisation of traffic movements and sufficient personnel at congestion points are aimed at ensuring smooth traffic flow, minimizing vehicle emissions. Public awareness campaigns through newspapers, TV, and radio will disseminate information about air pollution levels and provide tips on reducing polluting activities.
The GRAP II plan also includes measures to discourage private vehicle use by increasing parking fees, promoting the use of CNG/electric buses, and increasing the frequency of metro services. Resident Welfare Associations have been instructed to provide electric heaters to their residents to avoid burning biomass or waste during winters. These comprehensive measures are designed to mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution and improve the overall air quality in Delhi NCR.
Source: GRAP II in NCR: What’s allowed and what’s banned under new air pollution norms?