GRAP Stage-II measures imposed in Delhi-NCR amid increasing pollution. Check out restrictions

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) imposed stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan in Delhi-NCR as the air quality of the area entered the ‘Very Poor’ category on Monday (Oct 21). 

According to CAQM, the AQI is likely to remain in the ‘Very Poor’ category in the days ahead because of the unfavourable climatic and meteorological conditions. 

“The Sub-Committee constituted for invoking actions under the GRAP in its meeting held on 21st October, 2024, comprehensively reviewed the air quality scenario in the region as well as the forecasts for meteorological conditions and air quality index of Delhi made available by IMD/IITM. The AQI of Delhi since morning has been hovering around 300 and at 4:00 P.M, t has been recorded as 410. Forecasts from IMD/IITM also indicate a likelihood of the AQI of Delhi to particularly remain in “VERY POOR” category (DELHI AQI 301- 4O0) in the coming days, owing to unfavourable meteorological & climatic conditions and calm winds,” read the official statement.

In stage II of the GRAP, water sprinkling and mechanical sweeping will be done on a daily basis on identified roads, officials will enforce dust control measures at construction and demolition sites, use of power generator sets will be decreased and do’s and don’ts to minimise polluting activities will also be issued. 

The government has also planned to deploy traffic personnel at congestion points, increase vehicle parking fees to discourage private transport and start additional bus and metro services.

As part of the measures, parking fees will be increased to discourage private transport and promote use of CNG or electric bus and Metro services by increasing service frequency and introducing additional fleets.

Watch: Delhi’s Pollution Woes: Delhi Battles Smog And Toxic River Foam

The measures also include minimising the use of personal vehicles and increasing the use of public transport.

People have been asked to regularly replace air filters in automobiles, use public transport and avoid carrying out dust-generating construction activities till January.

The measures will be imposed along with the GRAP Stage 1 measures which came into effect on October 15.

(With inputs from agencies)