Delhi-NCR: Stage-II GRAP restrictions enforced as AQI hits 324
The Commission for Air Quality Management invoked Stage-II measures across the National Capital Region after air quality entered the 'Very Poor' category.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage-II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi and the entire National Capital Region (NCR) on Monday. This decision follows Delhi recording an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 324 on November 2, which places the city in the 'Very Poor' category, according to reports by The Hawk and The Pioneer.
The CAQM Sub-Committee implemented the Stage-II action plan with immediate effect, adding to the Stage-I measures already in force. The move comes after forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) indicated that Delhi's air quality is likely to remain in the 'Very Poor' category in the coming days.
Under Stage-II, agencies must conduct daily mechanical and vacuum sweeping of identified roads along with water sprinkling, preferably during the night or early morning. Authorities have also been instructed to increase vehicle parking to discourage private transport use and intensify inspections at construction and demolition sites. Resident Welfare Associations have been directed to provide electric heaters to staff to prevent the open burning of biomass and municipal waste.
The governments of Delhi and NCR states have been asked to stagger the timings of public offices and municipal bodies in Delhi and the districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar. The Central Government may also consider staggering its office timings in the region.
The Decision Support System for Delhi estimated that the transport sector contributed 19.2 per cent to the city's pollution, while stubble burning accounted for 8.4 per cent. Residential activities contributed 4.9 per cent, and industries in Delhi and peripheral areas accounted for 4.2 per cent.