GRAP Stage-III activated: Delhi takes drastic measures to tackle pollution

The spike in air pollution in NCR is attributed to adverse meteorological conditions, a sudden rise in farm fires, and North-Westerly winds carrying pollutants into Delhi. (Representative Image)

Amid the declining air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked a set of restrictions on November 2 under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

The Sub Committee for the operationalization of the GRAP, after a thorough assessment of the air quality status, meteorological predictions, and air quality index data provided by IMD/IITM, stated that the situation is expected to worsen. It has considered that it is necessary to implement Stage III of GRAP, designated for 'Severe' Air Quality (AQI > 400), with immediate effect as a precautionary step to avoid further deterioration of overall air quality in the NCR.

Restrictive actions mentioned in Stage-I and Stage II of GRAP will also be applicable.

Delhi-NCR air pollution peaks: AQI hits 'Severe' category at 402

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has reported a rapid increase in air pollution in Delhi-NCR on November 2. At 5 pm, the average Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to 402, categorizing the air quality in the region as 'Severe' (with an AQI range of 401-450). Earlier in the day, the average AQI for Delhi was 392 at 4 pm, 378 at 3 pm, and 351 in the morning.

Various areas in the city, such as Punjabi Bagh (439), Dwarka Sector-8 (420), Jahangirpuri (403), Rohini (422), Narela (422), Wazirpur (406), Bawana (432), Mundka (439), Anand Vihar (452), and New Moti Bagh (406), reported 'severe' air quality today.

Delhi's air quality has persisted as very poor for the sixth consecutive day. The city's residents woke up to a hazy morning, with temperatures dropping to 16.3 degrees Celsius.

According to SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research)-India data, Delhi's overall AQI was measured at 336 on November 1, falling into the 'Very Poor' category.

The spike in air pollution was attributed to adverse meteorological conditions, a sudden rise in farm fires, and North-Westerly winds carrying pollutants into Delhi.

GRAP categories 

The Air Quality Index (AQI) scale classifies air quality into six categories: good (0-50), satisfactory (51-100), moderate (101-200), poor (201-300), very poor (301-400), and severe (401-500). If AQI goes beyond 500, it is labeled as "severe plus."

Implementation of 8-point Action Plan

An 8-point action plan now applicable in the entire NCR includes steps to be implemented/ensured by different agencies and Pollution Control Boards of NCR and DPCC.

1. Further intensify the frequency of mechanised/vacuum-based sweeping of roads.
2. Ensure daily water sprinkling along with dust suppressants, before peak traffic hours, on roads and right of ways including hotspots, heavy traffic corridors and ensure proper disposal of the collected dust in designated sites/ landfills.
3. Further intensify public transport services. Introduce differential rates to encourage off-peak travel.
4. Construction & Demolition activities: Strict bans have been imposed on several construction and demolition activities, except for specific exemptions concerning vital services and projects. There is an emphasis on adherence to C&D Waste Management Rules and dust control norms. The exempted categories of projects include Projects for Railway services/Railway stations, Projects for Metro Rail Services and stations, Airports and Inter State Bus Terminals, National security/defence-related activities/projects of national importance; Hospitals/healthcare facilities, Linear public projects such as highways, roads, flyovers, over bridges, power transmission/distribution, pipelines, etc., Sanitation projects like sewage treatment plants and water supply projects, etc. Curtailing of other dust-generating activities: Activities strictly banned during this period shall include Earthwork for excavation and filling, including boring & drilling works, All structural construction works, including fabrication and welding operations, Demolition works, Loading & unloading of construction materials anywhere within or outside the project sites, Transfer of raw materials either manually or through conveyor belts, including fly ash, Movement of vehicles on unpaved roads, Operation of batching plant, Laying of sewer line, waterline, drainage work, and electric cabling by open trench system, Cutting and fixing of tiles, stones, and other flooring materials, Grinding activities, Piling work, Waterproofing work, Painting, Polishing, and varnishing works, and road construction/repair works, including paving of sidewalks/pathways and central verges, etc.
5. Close down operations of stone crushers
6. Close down all mining and associated activities in the NCR.
7. NCR State Govts. / GNCTD to impose strict restrictions on plying of BS III petrol and BS IV diesel LMVs (4 wheelers) in Delhi and in the districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Budh Nagar.
8. State Governments in NCR and GNCTD may take a decision on discontinuing physical classes in schools for children up to Class V and conducting classes in an online mode.

Other instructions include:

• Walk or use cycles for short distances.
• Choose a cleaner commute. Share a ride to work or use public transport.

• People whose positions allow working from home may work from home.
• Do not use coal and wood for heating purposes.
• The Central Pollution Control Board urges citizens to follow the laid-out Citizen Charter under GRAP.