Delhi Air Quality Plummets to Hazardous Levels, GRAP Phase II Implemented
Delhis air quality index hit 324, prompting the implementation of GRAP Phase II to combat severe pollution levels.
New Delhi, November 2 (Daily Kiran) : Air pollution in New Delhi has reached alarming levels once again. As of November 2, the average Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 324, categorizing it as “very poor,” according to the Central Pollution Control Board’s daily bulletin. In response to the rising pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has decided to implement Phase II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect.
A sub-committee formed by the CAQM reviewed the current air quality situation and forecasts provided by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). The review indicated that Delhi’s AQI was at a moderate level of 117 on October 31, but it surged to 261 by November 1. Adverse weather conditions contributed to the spike, pushing the AQI to 324 the following day. Forecasts suggest that air quality will likely remain in the very poor category in the coming days.
Consequently, the sub-committee unanimously agreed to activate GRAP Phase II across the NCR. All prescribed measures under this phase must be implemented rigorously by the relevant agencies. Phase I of GRAP will continue to remain in effect as well.
The CAQM has urged citizens to adhere to the guidelines outlined in the citizen charters for both Phase I and Phase II of GRAP. Residents are encouraged to utilize public transport, reduce the use of private vehicles, choose less congested routes using technology, regularly change air filters in vehicles, and refrain from burning solid waste and biomass outdoors. Those whose jobs permit it are advised to work from home.
Under Phase II of GRAP, agencies are mandated to take several stringent actions. These include daily mechanical and vacuum sweeping, spraying water on identified roads, applying dust suppressants before peak traffic hours, and enhancing inspections at construction and demolition sites to enforce dust control measures. Additionally, parking fees will be increased to discourage the use of private vehicles.
Furthermore, the GNCTD and NCR state governments will stagger office hours in regions including Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar. The commission has stated it will closely monitor the situation and conduct regular reviews of air quality in the days ahead.
