An 11-point action plan under Stage II will be rolled out across the NCR. Among the new measures is an increase in parking fees to discourage the use of private vehicles.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) invoked Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Monday in response to worsening air quality in Delhi, implementing stricter measures including a ban on the use of coal, firewood, and diesel generator sets.
The decision, made by the Centre’s Sub-Committee for the operationalisation of GRAP, follows a comprehensive review of the air quality situation in the National Capital Region (NCR). The Stage II restrictions will be enforced from 8 am on Tuesday, with the aim of curbing pollution in the city.
What are GRAP and CAQM?
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is an emergency protocol implemented when air quality reaches critically poor levels. Established in 2021, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is a statutory body created by the Indian government to oversee air quality management in the National Capital Region (NCR) and surrounding areas. Its mandate includes improving coordination, conducting research, identifying sources of pollution, and addressing air quality issues.
The adjoining areas under CAQM’s jurisdiction include Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, where pollution sources can negatively affect air quality in the NCR.
Delhi air quality to worsen
An 11-point action plan under Stage II will be rolled out across the NCR. Among the new measures is an increase in parking fees to discourage the use of private vehicles. This comes as Delhi recorded a daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 310, which falls under the “very poor” category, according to the CPCB.
Forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and IIT Madras predict that Delhi’s AQI will remain in the “very poor” category (between 301 and 400) in the coming days due to unfavorable weather conditions.
Read More: Weather update: IMD issues yellow alert for heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka
GRAP stage II to be implemented from Oct 22
The Sub-Committee of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the NCR and surrounding areas met on Monday to assess the air quality situation. In a statement, it was emphasized that the invocation of Stage II measures is essential to prevent further deterioration of the air quality.
“All actions under Stage II of the revised GRAP will be implemented starting at 8 am on October 22 across the NCR, in addition to the Stage I actions already in place,” the statement noted.
Read More: India, China Reach Agreement On Patrolling, Disengagement Along LAC In Eastern Ladakh: MEA
Do’s, don’ts of GRAP stage II
Essential services, including medical, railways, metro, airports, and inter-state bus terminals, will remain exempt from the restrictions. However, a ban on the use of coal and firewood in tandoors at hotels, restaurants, and open eateries, as well as the use of diesel generator sets (except for emergency services), will be strictly enforced.
Authorities responsible for implementing these measures have been directed to ensure strict compliance with Stage II of the GRAP in the interest of public health and environmental safety.
