The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas has invoked all actions under Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect to counter worsening air quality, an official statement said.
The decision follows a review by the GRAP Sub-Committee, which observed that Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) had reached 202, falling in the ‘Poor’ category, due to calm winds and unfavourable meteorological conditions. Forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) predict that AQI will largely remain in the ‘Poor’ category due to a low ventilation coefficient and decreasing wind speeds.
CAQM, acting in compliance with Supreme Court directions, stated that all concerned agencies must implement, monitor, and review Stage-I measures to prevent further deterioration of air quality. The agencies are required to enforce dust mitigation measures for construction activities, roads, and open areas, which become a predominant factor in determining air quality in the coming months.
What Does GRAP-I Include?
GRAP-I entails periodic mechanised sweeping and water sprinkling on roads, Dust mitigation at construction sites, Proper waste management, Strict checks on polluting vehicles, better traffic management, and emission controls in industries, power plants, and brick kilns.
There is also prohibition on open burning of waste, limited use of diesel generators, and no use of coal or firewood in eateries. Offices are encouraged to begin unified commutes for employees to reduce traffic on the road. Festivals are advised to be celebrated in an eco-friendly manner by avoiding firecrackers.
The Sub-Committee will continue to closely monitor the air quality situation and take further decisions based on conditions and forecasts by IMD and IITM.
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‘Making City Cleaner and Greener a Priority’: Delhi L-G Saxena
Meanwhile, Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena inaugurated the Amrut Biodiversity Park on Friday, reaffirming his commitment to providing a greener and cleaner environment for the people of the capital.
“About a year and a half ago, this place was in a terrible state, full of dirt and neglect. It was cleaned up, and today, it has been transformed into a beautiful park. We aim to provide the people of Delhi with a clean and refreshing environment while also increasing green spaces in the city,” Saxena said, as quoted by PTI.
He added that a small café is being considered within the park for joggers and visitors to take a break and relax.
“Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a cleaner and greener Delhi, we are working hard towards this goal with several new projects already in progress,” Saxena said.
To promote water conservation and attract birds, several depressions have been created within the park to store rain and floodwater. Additionally, around 20,000 plants have been planted, which will further enhance the park’s beauty in the coming years.
Speaking about the Yamuna cleaning project, the L-G said that the work was progressing in mission mode. “Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and other ministers are continuously monitoring the work being carried out,” he added.
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