The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the entire National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect. This decision comes as Delhi’s air quality worsens, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing 379 by 4 PM on December 16, 2024. The move aims to prevent further deterioration of air quality, which is projected to remain in the “Very Poor” to “Severe” category in the coming days due to adverse meteorological conditions.
Rising Pollution Levels in NCR
The decision was taken after the Sub-Committee on GRAP reviewed Delhi’s air quality and observed an increasing trend in AQI, exacerbated by calm winds and the formation of an inversion layer, limiting the vertical mixing of pollutants. Forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) indicate continued unfavorable conditions.
Measures Under Stage-III
Stage-III actions, under the “Severe” category (AQI between 401-450), supplement the existing measures of Stages I and II. The following measures are now in force across NCR:
Construction and Demolition (C&D) Activities
- Strict restrictions on dust-generating activities, including earthworks, piling, demolition, road construction, and transfer of construction materials like cement and sand.
- Minor indoor repairs are permitted but subject to compliance with C&D Waste Management Rules and dust control norms.
- C&D activities for specific public utility projects (e.g., railways, metro, health facilities) are allowed under strict guidelines.
Industrial and Vehicular Restrictions
- Closure of stone crushers and mining activities across NCR.
- Ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel light motor vehicles in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar, except for vehicles serving essential purposes.
- Restriction on diesel-operated goods vehicles entering Delhi unless carrying essential commodities.
Education and Work Adjustments
- Hybrid learning mode (physical and online) for students up to Class V in Delhi and NCR districts, with online mode optional for guardians.
- Staggered timings for public offices and municipal bodies in NCR to reduce traffic congestion and emissions.
Citizen Advisory
Residents are urged to adopt eco-friendly practices, including:
- Using public transport or carpooling.
- Avoiding coal and wood for heating.
- Providing electric heaters to security personnel to prevent open burning.
- Combining errands to minimize travel.
Implementation and Monitoring
The Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) of NCR states, along with the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), have been directed to ensure strict compliance with Stage-III measures. Citizens are encouraged to support these efforts by adhering to the GRAP Citizen Charter.
The revised GRAP details and updates are available on the CAQM’s official website at https://caqm.nic.in.
