GRAP Stage-I enforced as AQI in Delhi-NCR worsens to ‘poor’ category

Delhi’s air quality has dropped to the ‘poor’ category, urging the authorities to implement Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has enforced the restriction in the entire National Capital Region (NCR).

According to the latest recorded Air Quality Index (AQI) bulletin by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the national capital has recorded a concerning daily average AQI of 234, forcing the governments to implement measures to curb pollution in Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

“The Sub-Committee unanimously decided that all actions as envisaged under Stage-I of GRAP—‘Poor’ Air Quality (DELHI AQI ranging between 201-300)—be implemented in right earnest by all the agencies concerned, from 8:00 AM on October 15 in the NCR,” CAQM said in a statement.

According to the air quality standards, there are six categories: good (0-50), satisfactory (51-100), moderate (101-200), poor (201-300), very poor (301-400), and severe (401-500). AQI above 300 is considered hazardous and can lead to health issues.

Authorities will enforce a 27-point action plan in Delhi and the neighbouring areas to tackle the problem and improve the city’s air quality.

Under Stage-1 of GRAP, restrictions will be imposed on construction and demolition activities to control dust. It will also focus on proper waste disposal and ban open burning of waste. 

Restrictions will also be implemented on diesel generators and the burning of coal or firewood at eateries. The plan will also aim to control emissions from industries, brick kilns, and power plants.

GRAP also includes strict monitoring of vehicular pollution and improved traffic management.

Delhi government has also imposed a ban on the production, storage, sale and use of all kinds of firecrackers till January 1.

In November 2023, the government imposed a level 4 of GRAP in Delhi NCR after the air quality worsened to ‘severe’.

According to the statement, government agencies including Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) of NCR states and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) are ordered to ensure strict implementation of the State-1 GRAP. The citizens are also urged to cooperate with the restrictions.

The Commission will be conducting regular air quality reviews in the coming days to monitor the situation, the statement said.

Farm fires remain another challenge to tackle the situation of pollution in the national capital region. According to reports, 872 stubble-burning incidents were recorded between September 15 and October 13 in Punjab, further deteriorating the air quality in Delhi and nearby areas.

Last year, 1,230 such incidents were reported during the same period, making this year’s count the lowest in five years. However, there has been a considerable increase in farm fire cases from 300 cases as of October 7, according to CREAMS-Indian Agricultural Research Institute.

(With inputs from agencies)