Delhi-NCR moves to GRAP-II as air quality index crosses 300
The Commission for Air Quality Management has ordered tighter pollution restrictions after the capital's average air quality index reached 324 on Monday.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Monday. This follows a sharp rise in Delhi's average Air Quality Index (AQI), which reached 324 on November 2, according to reports from The Tribune and The Hawk.
The AQI in the capital climbed from 117 on October 31 to 261 on November 1 before hitting the 'very poor' category on Monday. The CAQM attributed the worsening air quality to unfavourable weather conditions. Forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) suggest the air quality will likely remain in the 'very poor' category in the coming days.
Under the new Stage II measures, authorities will implement higher parking fees to reduce private vehicle use. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will also run 20 additional weekday train trips starting Tuesday to encourage public transport. Additionally, hotels and restaurants are prohibited from using coal or firewood, including for tandoors, and there will be stricter regulations on diesel generator sets.
Civic agencies must conduct daily mechanical or vacuum sweeping of identified roads and use water sprinkling with dust suppressants. Inspections at construction and demolition sites will also increase. In residential areas, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) have been directed to provide electricity and electric heaters to security, cleaning, and gardening staff to prevent the open burning of biomass or waste.
The CAQM has requested the Delhi government and NCR state governments to stagger working hours for municipal and state offices in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar. The Central Government may also consider staggered timings for its regional offices. The commission stated it is monitoring the situation and will review the measures regularly.