Following the deterioration in air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Wednesday imposed Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-1) across the entire National Capital Region (NCR). The commission has directed all concerned agencies to take immediate measures to control pollution and continuously monitor air quality.
According to the CAQM order, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 179 on October 20, placing it in the moderate category. However, the AQI rose to 244 by 2 pm on October 21, pushing the capital's air quality into the poor category.
Forecasts issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) indicate that Delhi's air quality may remain in the poor category over the coming days. After reviewing the prevailing pollution levels and weather forecasts, the GRAP sub-committee decided to implement Stage 1 measures across the NCR with immediate effect.
The order directs the relevant agencies to strictly enforce pollution-control measures, strengthen monitoring and regularly track AQI levels. The objective is to prevent further deterioration in air quality. The commission has also appealed to residents to follow the citizen charter issued under GRAP-1.
The GRAP-1 implementation order has been sent to the concerned authorities in Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. All relevant agencies have been instructed to ensure compliance with the prescribed measures.
The CAQM sub-committee will continue to review pollution levels and weather forecasts. Further decisions will be taken based on changes in air quality and the prevailing conditions.
Under GRAP-1, hotels, restaurants and roadside eateries will be prohibited from using coal and wood in tandoors. Establishments will instead have to use electricity, gas or other clean fuels.
The use of diesel generators for regular power supply will also be restricted. However, generators may be operated for essential and emergency services in accordance with the applicable rules.
Authorities will intensify checks of Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates for vehicles on roads. Action will be taken against vehicles emitting excessive pollution and those violating the prescribed rules.
Construction and demolition sites will be required to strictly implement dust-control measures. Water sprinkling and other necessary steps must be undertaken to prevent dust from spreading into the surrounding atmosphere.
Open burning of garbage and other waste will not be permitted on roads, vacant plots or other open spaces. To control road dust, mechanical sweeping will be carried out, along with more frequent water sprinkling at regular intervals.
Concerned agencies will monitor compliance with pollution-control regulations and take action wherever violations are detected. Residents have also been urged to follow the guidelines issued under GRAP-1 as authorities seek to contain pollution and prevent Delhi-NCR's air quality from deteriorating further.
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