Air Quality Management Measures in Delhi-NCR
The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has implemented Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) due to worsening air quality in Delhi-NCR, reaching a 'severe' level for the first time this winter.
Measures Under GRAP III
- Prohibition of construction and demolition activities across the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR).
- Ban on the operation of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar.
- Existing restrictions from GRAP Stages I and II will remain in effect.
- Classes up to grade 5 will shift to a hybrid mode (both physical and online), wherever feasible.
Air Quality Data
- Delhi's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 428 ('severe') at 4 p.m. Tuesday, rising from 362 ('very poor') the previous day.
- AQI levels, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), indicate that 'severe' pollution affects healthy individuals and severely impacts those with existing health conditions.
- An improvement to the 'very poor' category is expected by Wednesday.
Government Response
- Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized strict enforcement of new restrictions and highlighted the impact of neighboring cities on Delhi's air pollution.
- The Delhi government is actively employing measures such as water sprinklers, dust mitigation, sweeping, garbage collection, and smoke control.
- Efforts are being conducted in a "mission mode" with no delay to tackle the pollution issues.
