Delhi air quality worsens again; CAQM enforces stage-I of GRAP restrictions

Citizens have been urged to maximize public transport use and avoid private vehicles, as well as to refrain from dust-causing activities.

New Delhi: Air quality in the capital Delhi has begun to deteriorate again. On Tuesday, the city's average air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 211, which falls in the 'poor' category.

Given the severity of the situation, the sub-committee of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) held an emergency meeting and decided to implement Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect.

Citizens have been urged to maximize public transport use and avoid private vehicles, as well as to refrain from dust-causing activities.

What is GRAP-1 and its restrictions?
GRAP aims to implement measures in a phased manner according to air pollution levels. GRAP-1 is implemented when the AQI reaches between 201-300. Under this, the following strict restrictions and measures are implemented.

Road and Construction Activities
Regular mechanical cleaning and water sprinkling of roads have been made mandatory.
Dust control measures, such as covering construction materials and sprinkling water, will be required at construction sites.

Fuel and Industry Restrictions
A complete ban on the use of coal and wood in hotels, restaurants, and roadside eateries.
The use of diesel generators will also be banned, except for essential services.
Industries, brick kilns, and power plants will be required to adhere to strict emission control standards.

Waste Management and Vehicle Control
Open burning of waste (biomass burning) is strictly prohibited. Special campaigns will be launched against it and action will be taken.
Strict action will be taken against vehicles that cause pollution. The Transport Department and Traffic Police have been instructed to maintain special vigilance.