GRAP-1 curbs in Delhi-NCR after air quality turns ‘poor’

The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) Sub-Committee has imposed Stage 1 measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR after air quality index (AQI) in the Capital reached 211 (‘poor category’) on Tuesday.

Actions under Stage I of the GRAP will be implemented, monitored and reviewed by all agencies concerned in the entire NCR to ensure that the AQI levels do not slip further. All implementing agencies have been asked to keep strict vigil and intensify measures of the GRAP schedule.

The move comes amid forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) predicting that pollution levels are likely to remain in the poor category in the coming days.

A 27-point action plan as per Stage I of GRAP is applicable, which includes regular lifting of municipal solid waste, construction and demolition waste and hazardous wastes from dedicated dump sites.

The action plan also urges citizens to celebrate festivals in an eco-friendly manner and avoid using firecrackers.

It also calls for intensifying use of anti-smog guns, water sprinkling and dust suppression measures in road construction. The authorities have to keep strict vigil to ensure that there are no burning incidents in the landfill sites.