Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been activated across Delhi-NCR after the national capital’s air quality deteriorated into the “poor” category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 208.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said unfavourable weather conditions were behind the rise in pollution levels and warned that air quality is likely to remain in the “poor” category over the coming days.
“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 CAQM said in a statement.
The commission directed all concerned agencies across the National Capital Region to implement, monitor and review anti-pollution measures strictly to prevent further deterioration in air quality.
“Actions under Stage-I of the extant GRAP shall be implemented, monitored and reviewed by all the agencies concerned in the entire NCR to ensure that the AQI levels do not slip further,” the statement added
According to the GRAP framework, Stage 1 restrictions are imposed when AQI levels remain between 201 and 300, categorised as “poor”. Stage 2 comes into effect when AQI reaches between 301 and 400 (“very poor”), Stage 3 between 401 and 450 (“severe”), and Stage 4 once AQI crosses 450 (“severe plus”).
Under Stage 1 measures, authorities will intensify anti-pollution steps including mechanised road sweeping, water sprinkling to control dust, stricter dust management at construction sites and proper waste disposal.
The measures also include stricter checks on polluting vehicles, improved traffic management and tighter controls on emissions from industries, power plants and brick kilns.
The CAQM also urged citizens to follow the GRAP Stage 1 citizen charter to help curb pollution levels across the region.
