The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday enforced Stage 1 restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) after the air quality saw a sharp decline caused by a recent dust storm.
As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi recorded an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 278 on May 16, categorizing it as “poor.”
“Owing to strong and variable surface winds, expected improvement in AQI was not observed and AQI of Delhi was recorded marginally lower at 278 on 16.05.2025. The forecast by IMD/ IITM has also predicted the AQI to be in lower range of “Poor Category” on 17.05.2025. The Sub-Committee, accordingly, decides to invoke all actions under Stage-I (‘Poor’ Air Quality) of the extant GRAP in the entire NCR, with immediate effect,” the agency said in the statement.
Earlier in the day, several parts of Delhi including India Gate, Dhaula Kuan, and South Delhi saw light showers, bringing brief respite from the heat.
However, air quality remained a concern as AQI levels crossed 300 in various parts of the capital following a severe dust storm on Thursday that also reduced visibility.
According to IMD, gusty winds blowing at 30–40 km/h were triggered by a strong north-south pressure gradient over northwest India. These winds carried dust across Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and northern Rajasthan from the night of May 14 into the next morning, severely impacting air quality.
Stage 1 of the GRAP targets pollution control at the early “Poor” air quality stage by focusing at construction sites, proper waste management, and regular road cleaning. It includes:
--Strict checks on polluting vehicles, better traffic management, and emission controls in industries, power plants, and brick kilns.
--Bans on open burning of waste, limits the use of diesel generators, and prohibits the use of coal or firewood in eateries.
--Turning off the engine at red lights.
--Prohibition on private construction and demolition projects measuring 500 square metres or more.
--Action against industrial units and thermal power plants spreading pollution within 300 km radius of Delhi
--Ban on production, storage and sale of firecrackers till Jan 1, 2025
--Ban on 10-15 year old diesel/petrol vehicles.
--Ban on burning garbage in the open.
--Deployment of traffic police at crowded places.
--Strict enforcement of the prohibition on open burning of biomass and municipal solid waste, and the imposition of maximum penalties for violations.
--No tolerance for visible emissions
--Stop visibly polluting vehicles by impounding and / or levying maximum penalty.
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