New Delhi: The Commission for Air Quality Management sub-committee on Saturday made a significant step to combat the worsening air quality and decided to implement the comprehensive 11-point action plan outlined in Stage-II of the revised GRAP across the entirety of the National Capital Region.
According to an official release by the Ministry of Environment, as part of the second phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-2) for the Delhi National Capital Region, several measures are being implemented.
These include prohibiting the use of coal and wood-burning stoves, increasing the presence of CNG and electric buses, introducing routine road cleaning and sprinkling of water, and assigning traffic police personnel to maintain smooth traffic flow to combat pollution effectively.
“People should use public transport and minimize the use of personal vehicles, use technology, and take less congested routes even if slightly longer, and regularly replace air filters at recommended intervals in their automobiles. Avoid dust-generating construction activities during the months from October to January. Avoid open burning of solid waste and biomass,” the statement mentioned.
“Carry out mechanical/ vacuum sweeping and water sprinkling of the identified roads on a daily basis. Ensure water sprinkling along with the use of dust suppressants (at least every alternate day, during non-peak hours) on roads to arrest road dust, especially at hotspots, heavy traffic corridors, vulnerable areas and proper disposal of dust collected in designated sites/landfills. Intensify inspections for strict enforcement of dust control measures at C&D sites,” the statement added.
The Sub-Committee for Operationalization of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) met today to take stock of the air quality scenario in Delhi-NCR.
As per the dynamic model and forecasts for weather/meteorological conditions and air quality made available by IMD/IITM, there is a likelihood of the average AQI of Delhi dipping to the ‘Very Poor’ category (DELHI AQI- 3O1-4OO) on October 23 and 24, 2023, owing to unfavourable meteorological and climatic conditions, the statement said.
The statement further said that agencies responsible for implementing measures under GRAP, including Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) of NCR States and DPCC, have been addressed to ensure successful and strict implementation of actions under Stage II of GRAP in addition to actions under Stage I of GRAP during this period.
The sub-committee also urged citizens to adhere to the Citizen Charter under GRAP and assist in the effective implementation of the GRAP measures aimed at sustaining and improving the air quality in the region.
Further, Resident Welfare Associations are advised to provide electric heaters to security staff to avoid open Bio-Mass and MSW burning during the winter. The Commission will review the air quality scenario on a regular basis in the coming days.