Delhi braces for pollution spike, authorities enforce GRAP-I measures as air quality worsens

Delhi braces for pollution spike, authorities enforce stage-I measures

As Delhi-NCR braces for the annual pollution spike, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Tuesday officially activated Stage-I measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

The move comes as Air Quality Index (AQI) of the national capital reached 211 on Tuesday, moving the air to the "poor" category, thus pointing out to the worsening trend that is starting now and is expected to only rise in the coming days and weeks.

In a detailed review meeting that was held earlier today, the GRAP Sub-Committee examined real-time air quality readings from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and combined these with forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).

The committee noted that stagnant weather conditions are likely to trap pollutants close to the ground in Delhi and its surrounding areas, thus prolonging exposure to high levels of particulate matter.

This marks the first formal activation of pollution control measures for the season, setting the stage for coordinated action across Delhi and NCR districts in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan as well as Punjab.

Under Stage-I GRAP protocols for ‘Poor’ air quality (AQI 201–300), authorities are required to implement a series of preventive and enforcement measures that would help the city crawl out of the pollution season.

In the construction sector, labour-intensive activities have been prohibited without adequate dust control and all project sites must ensure regular water sprinkling to reduce airborne dust. In addition to that, industrial units face heightened inspections and public transport vehicles must strictly adhere to CNG compliance to curb vehicular emissions.

Waste management is also a major focus. Authorities have been instructed to ban all forms of garbage burning immediately, while hospitals and other facilities must intensify biomedical waste handling protocols. In addition, measures targeting the transport and power sectors include black carbon audits for heavy vehicles and a directive for power plants within 10 km of Delhi to switch entirely to piped natural gas, reducing emissions from conventional fuels.

Officials emphasise that public cooperation is crucial during this period. Residents have been advised to limit outdoor activities, wear protective masks and also avoid burning waste at home.