The commission for Air Quality Management, the centre’s anti pollution panel, has enforced curbs under GRAP-1in Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR) as the season for the annual return of the dreaded pollution in the capital is about to come.
The CAQM announced the decision on Tuesday following Delhi’s Air Quality Index at 211, which is in the ‘Poor’ category. “The AQI has entered the ‘Poor’ threshold, and projections indicate sustained levels in this range over the coming days due to stagnant weather conditions,” the committee highlighted.
What are the Key Measures Included?
Without dust mitigation, no labour intensive construction activities shall take place, and mandatory water sprinkling at all project sites shall be done.
The inspections of pollution industries should be heightened and enhanced compliance for public transport should take place.
An immediate stop to all garbage burning activities has been done.
Power plants within 10 km of Delhi should be switched to 100% piped natural gas.
The order also paid emphasis on rigorous monitoring, with agencies directed to “intensify measures” and maintain “strict vigil” to prevent the AQI from going to ‘very Poor’ or ‘ Severe’ categories. Citizens are also urged to take the GRAP Stage – Citizen charter in light and follow it. This charter includes a few voluntary steps like using public transport, avoiding outdoor exertion during peak pollution hours (evenings), and reporting violations via CAQM’s helpline (1800-180-1708).
