GRAP stage-2: Admn on high alert; curbs imposed in Panipat, Sonepat

With the implementation of restrictions under stage 2 of the graded response action plan (GRAP), the district administrations in Panipat and Sonepat have come on high alert.

Dr Virender Kumar Dahiya, Deputy Commissioner (DC) directed the officials to follow the guidelines strictly and implement the restrictions strictly to curb air pollution in the district.

With the deteriorating condition of air quality in the national capital, the Commission of Air Quality Management (CAQM) imposed restrictions under the second stage of GRAP-2 in the NCR.

DC Dahiya directed the officials of various departments to comply with the direction issued by the CAQM, as Panipat is also in the NCR. The DC also appealed to the residents to obey the citizen charter issued under GRAP stage-2.

Dahiya said the CAQM had imposed the restrictions under stage-1 of GRAP on October 14 but after reviewing the air pollution level, the commission has imposed restrictions under stage-2.

With the implementation of GRAP- stage-2, Dr Pankaj Yadav, Commissioner, MC, on Thursday held a special meeting with the engineering wing officials and directed them to implement the stage-2 restrictions to curb air pollution in the city.

Yadav said officials had been directed to increase mechanical sweeping on the main roads and also inspect construction sites in the city and ensure the implementation of GRAP stage-2 norms.

A special advisory has been issued for dhaba, hotel and restaurant owners to ban illegal fuels in their tandoors.

A special nodal officer will be deployed for the strict implementation of GRAP stage-2, and strict action would be initiated against the violators, the Commissioner asserted.

Apart from it, the purchase order has been released for the purchase of two anti-smoke guns, and soon these would be purchased, the Commissioner said.

In Sonepat, Mayor Rajiv Jain and Commissioner MC Harshit Kumar held a meeting with the officials to implement the restrictions strictly under stage 2 of GRAP. Jain directed that all air-polluting activities in the city be curbed and also directed the sanitation wing officials to ensure that no garbage was burnt.