CAQM invokes GRAP-I measures across Delhi-NCR as AQI enters 'Poor' category

Agraj Pratap Singh

New Delhi, October 21 (UNI) The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Wednesday invoked Stage-I measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR after the national capital's Air Quality Index (AQI) entered the 'poor' category.

In an order, the CAQM said Delhi's AQI, which stood at 179 in the 'moderate' category on October 20, rose sharply to 244 at 2 pm on October 21, falling in the 'poor' category. Citing forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), the commission said air quality was likely to remain in the 'poor' category over the coming days.

The CAQM directed all implementing agencies across Delhi-NCR to enforce, review and regularly monitor Stage-I measures on the ground to prevent further deterioration in air quality. Under the measures, authorities have been instructed to ensure strict implementation of dust-control norms at construction and demolition sites. These include proper storage and covering of construction materials and waste, transportation of such materials in covered vehicles, and the use of anti-smog guns and water sprinkling to suppress dust. Dust-control measures will also be intensified at road construction, widening, repair and maintenance sites. Agencies have been directed to ensure proper environmental management of construction and demolition waste.

The order also calls for strict enforcement of the ban on open burning of biomass and municipal solid waste. Traffic police have been asked to synchronise traffic signals and deploy adequate personnel at identified congested corridors, intersections and traffic hotspots to ensure smooth vehicular movement and reduce pollution caused by congestion.

Authorities have also been directed to intensify checks on vehicles to ensure compliance with Pollution Under Control (PUC) norms. Inspections of industries will be intensified, including in non-conforming areas, and strict legal action will be taken against non-compliant and illegal units. The agencies concerned, in accordance with GRAP Stage I, strictly enforce all pollution control regulations applicable to industries, brick kilns, hot-mix plants, etc., across the NCR, while ensuring strict compliance with the prescribed emission standards and the exclusive use of approved fuels.

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