CAQM invokes Stage-II GRAP as Delhi air quality hits very poor
The Commission for Air Quality Management activated additional pollution control measures across the NCR after the city's AQI reached 324 on Monday.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Stage-II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR) on Monday. According to reports from Mint and ANI, the move follows a sharp decline in air quality, with Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting 324, placing it in the 'very poor' category.
The AQI rose from 117 in the 'moderate' category on Saturday to 261 in the 'poor' category on Sunday, before reaching the current level. The CAQM sub-committee made the decision after reviewing air quality data and forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).
Under Stage-II, authorities must implement extra measures alongside existing Stage-I rules. These include daily mechanical or vacuum sweeping of roads and water sprinkling with dust suppressants, particularly on busy corridors before peak traffic. Officials have also been directed to increase inspections at construction and demolition sites and pollution hotspots.
To reduce private vehicle use, urban local bodies will increase parking fees. Staggered working hours for government and municipal offices will be enforced in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar. Additionally, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) must supply electric heaters to service staff, such as security and sanitation workers, to stop the open burning of waste.
The CAQM has advised residents to use public transport, work from home if possible, and avoid dust-generating activities. The commission stated it is monitoring the situation and will review air quality regularly.