Delhi Metro Boosts Trips, Fights Dust as GRAP Stage 1 Hits Capital
DMRC adds 20 daily trips and intensifies anti-pollution drives in Delhi after CAQM invokes GRAP Stage 1 due to poor air quality.
As the air quality in the national capital takes a dip, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has swung into action. With the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoking Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Wednesday, the DMRC is implementing a series of aggressive measures to curb pollution and encourage citizens to ditch their private cars for the Delhi Metro pollution measures.
More Trains to Reduce Road Congestion
To discourage the use of personal vehicles and ease the burden on the city's roads, the DMRC is increasing its operational capacity. Starting October 22, the metro network will run 20 additional trips on weekdays (Monday to Friday). By increasing the frequency of trains, the DMRC aims to make public transport a more attractive and efficient option for commuters during this critical pollution window.
War on Dust at Construction Sites
Beyond moving people, the DMRC is focusing heavily on its own footprint. Construction sites are often major contributors to particulate matter, and the DMRC is intensifying its anti-pollution drives to mitigate this. Key initiatives include:
- Dust Suppression: Over 250 anti-smog and mist guns have been deployed across office buildings, stations, and construction zones to keep dust levels low.
- Rigorous Inspections: Engineers are conducting thorough checks to ensure all construction materials are properly covered and that wheel wash facilities for vehicles exiting sites are fully operational.
- Cleanliness Drives: Special efforts are being made to remove garbage from road medians and footpaths, as well as clearing road dust from surrounding areas.
Managing the City's Arteries
Currently, the DMRC holds temporary jurisdiction over approximately 31 kilometres of city roads to facilitate ongoing metro work. The corporation stated that most of these roads have already been repaired to prevent them from contributing further to the city's smog. Additionally, the DMRC’s Environment Department is conducting daily inspections to ensure strict adherence to all environmental norms.
Why GRAP Stage 1 Was Triggered
The shift in strategy comes after a sharp decline in air quality. On October 20, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 179, falling under the 'Moderate' category. However, by 2:00 PM on October 21, the AQI spiked to 244, pushing it into the 'Poor' category.
Based on forecasts from the IMD and IITM, which predict that the air quality will remain 'Poor' in the coming days, the GRAP Sub-Committee decided to invoke Stage 1 actions across the entire National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect.
The order emphasizes that all implementing agencies must maintain a strict vigil and intensify measures to ensure that AQI levels do not deteriorate further. Citizens are also urged to strictly follow the citizen charter outlined under GRAP Stage 1.
The Sub-Committee will continue to monitor the situation closely, reviewing air quality data and forecasts to determine if further, more stringent stages of the action plan need to be implemented.