New Delhi — Amid a steady rise in pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region (NCR) has invoked a 12-point action plan under Stage-II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), with immediate effect. The decision follows Delhi’s daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 296 (‘Poor’) and the hourly average peaking at 302 (‘Very Poor’) around 7 PM, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP convened an emergency meeting to review the deteriorating air quality and meteorological forecasts from IMD and IITM. Following the assessment, the committee directed immediate implementation of all measures prescribed under Stage-II (Very Poor Air Quality: AQI 301–400), in addition to the ongoing Stage-I actions.
12-Point Action Plan Enforced
The action plan mandates intensified measures by various implementing agencies, including Pollution Control Boards of NCR states and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). The key directives include:
- Daily mechanical/vacuum sweeping and water sprinkling on roads, especially at pollution hotspots.
- Strict enforcement of dust control measures at construction and demolition (C&D) sites.
- Uninterrupted power supply to minimize generator usage.
- Regulated operation of diesel generator (DG) sets, allowing use only in compliance with emission standards or dual-fuel mode.
- Traffic synchronization and deployment of additional personnel at congestion points.
- Public advisories through media on pollution levels and preventive measures.
- Enhanced parking fees to discourage private vehicle use.
- Augmented public transport, including additional CNG and electric buses and higher metro frequency.
- RWAs to provide electric heaters to staff to prevent open burning of biomass or waste.
- Ban on non-CNG/non-EV interstate buses entering Delhi, except those with All India Tourist Permits.
The Commission has also directed authorities to carry out focused action in identified air pollution hotspots and ensure strict compliance with all measures.
Citizen Charter for Stage-II
CAQM urged citizens to support the implementation of GRAP by:
- Using public transport and minimizing use of personal vehicles.
- Avoiding construction or demolition activities that generate dust.
- Refraining from open burning of solid waste or biomass.
- Using cleaner fuels and maintaining vehicle air filters.
Continuous Monitoring and Review
The CAQM stated that it will continue to monitor the air quality situation closely and review actions as necessary in the coming days. Citizens can access the detailed GRAP schedule and updates through the official CAQM website: https://caqm.nic.in.
Also Read: 27-Point Action Plan Under Stage-I of GRAP Enforced Across NCR to Prevent Air Quality Deterioration