Delhi Chokes: GRAP Stage-II Triggered as AQI Plummets to 'Very Poor'
CAQM invokes GRAP Stage-II across NCR after Delhi's AQI plummeted to 324. Find out the new restrictions and measures in place to fight pollution.
The air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR) has taken a drastic turn for the worse, forcing the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to invoke GRAP Stage-II across the entire region. The decision, effective immediately, comes as Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) spiraled into the 'Very Poor' category, reaching a concerning level of 324 on Monday.
A Sudden Downward Spiral
The deterioration of air quality has been alarmingly rapid. According to a review meeting held by the CAQM sub-committee, the city witnessed a steep decline in air quality over a mere 72-hour window:
- Saturday: The AQI stood at 117, falling within the 'Moderate' category.
- Sunday: Levels jumped sharply to 261, entering the 'Poor' category.
- Monday: The index hit 324, landing firmly in the 'Very Poor' category.
Stringent Measures Now in Effect
With Stage-II now active alongside the existing Stage-I restrictions, authorities in Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan have been ordered to implement strict enforcement measures to curb the smog.
Combatting Dust and Road Pollution
To tackle the accumulation of dust on the roads, municipal corporations and traffic police will prioritize heavy-traffic corridors and congestion points. Measures include:
- Daily mechanical or vacuum sweeping of roads.
- Water sprinkling mixed with dust suppressants, specifically during pre-peak traffic hours.
- Increased inspections and remedial actions at known pollution hotspots and Construction & Demolition (C&D) sites.
Discouraging Private Transport
In an effort to reduce the number of private vehicles on the road, urban local bodies have been instructed to increase vehicle parking fees. Additionally, to ease traffic congestion, state governments and the GNCTD are implementing staggered working hours for public offices and municipal bodies in key areas, including:
- Delhi
- Gurugram
- Faridabad
- Ghaziabad
- Gautam Buddha Nagar
Preventing Biomass Burning
As winter temperatures drop, the risk of open waste burning increases. To prevent this, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) are now mandated to provide electric heaters to sanitation workers, security guards, and horticulture staff, removing the need to burn biomass or municipal solid waste for warmth.
Call to Action for Citizens
The CAQM has urged the public to play an active role in mitigating the pollution crisis. Residents are encouraged to:
- Minimize the use of personal vehicles.
- Opt for carpooling or public transport.
- Avoid any construction activities that generate dust.
- Work from home, if their professional roles permit.