The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Monday reimposed Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi and its adjoining areas after the city's air quality deteriorated to the 'poor' category. The decision came as the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed the 200 mark, triggering the first stage of the anti-pollution plan.
Key Measures Under GRAP Stage 1
Under the GRAP Stage 1 restrictions, authorities are required to implement a series of measures aimed at curbing pollution. These include:
- Intensified road sweeping and water sprinkling on major roads to reduce dust.
- Deployment of anti-smog guns at construction sites and pollution hotspots.
- Strict enforcement of pollution control norms at construction and demolition sites.
- Ban on open burning of garbage and waste.
- Ensuring uninterrupted power supply to reduce reliance on diesel generators.
Monitoring and Enforcement
The CAQM has directed all concerned agencies to ensure strict compliance with the prescribed actions. Teams will be deployed for field inspections, and violators will face penalties. The measures are part of a graded approach to tackle air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Delhi's air quality has been fluctuating between 'moderate' and 'poor' categories over the past few weeks due to a combination of local emissions, stubble burning in neighboring states, and meteorological conditions like low wind speed and temperature inversion.
Impact and Advisory
Health experts have advised residents, especially those with respiratory issues, to limit outdoor activities and wear masks when stepping out. The poor air quality can cause breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure. The CAQM has also urged citizens to use public transport and avoid burning biomass.
The GRAP is a set of emergency measures implemented based on the severity of air pollution. Stage 1 is the least stringent, while Stage 4 involves the most severe restrictions, including a ban on truck entry and construction activities. The reimposition of Stage 1 indicates that the air quality is expected to worsen in the coming days if preventive actions are not taken.
