The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the entire National Capital Region (NCR), as Delhi’s air quality continues to linger in the ‘Poor’ category with no significant signs of improvement.
According to the daily Air Quality Index (AQI) bulletin by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s AQI on May 21 stood at 213—placing it in the ‘Poor’ category. Over the past two days, the AQI has been hovering slightly above the 200 mark, with only marginal improvements predicted by forecasts from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).
The poor air quality has been primarily attributed to variable wind conditions.
In response, the Sub-Committee met to assess the situation and, based on current data and forecasts, decided to invoke all measures under Stage-I of GRAP across the NCR. The primary aim of this preemptive action is to prevent further deterioration of the region’s air quality and to avoid slipping into more severe air quality categories.
Stage-I of GRAP includes a 27-point action plan to be implemented by various agencies including the Pollution Control Boards of the NCR states and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). These measures primarily focus on controlling dust from construction and demolition (C&D) activities, ensuring proper waste management, intensifying mechanized road cleaning, enforcing emission norms, and promoting cleaner fuels and transportation options.
Some of the immediate steps include strict enforcement of dust mitigation at C&D sites, regular removal of municipal and industrial waste, increased use of anti-smog guns and water sprinkling on roads, prohibition of open waste burning, and stringent vehicle emission checks. Agencies have also been directed to regulate industrial emissions, ensure use of approved fuels, and penalize violations rigorously.
To support these efforts, citizens have been urged to comply with the GRAP Stage-I Citizen Charter. This includes maintaining vehicle fitness and pollution control certificates, avoiding the use of outdated vehicles, refraining from open burning or the use of firecrackers, reporting pollution-related activities through mobile applications like 311 App, Green Delhi App, and SAMEER, and adopting eco-friendly habits such as tree plantation and unified commuting.
Additionally, eateries and restaurants are required to switch to electricity or clean fuel-based appliances, avoiding the use of coal or firewood in tandoors. DISCOMs have been instructed to minimize power outages to reduce reliance on diesel generator sets.
The CAQM has also called for widespread dissemination of information related to pollution levels, measures being taken, and avenues for public complaints through mobile apps, social media, and bulk SMS campaigns. Agencies have been asked to ensure swift redressal of complaints to bolster public participation in tackling the pollution crisis.
The Commission emphasized that it would closely monitor the air quality situation and review the implementation of these measures. Depending on the evolving AQI trends and future forecasts, further stages of GRAP could be activated if necessary.
With the air quality situation in a precarious state, the CAQM has reiterated the urgent need for collective responsibility, both from authorities and citizens, to ensure timely and effective action to safeguard public health and the environment in the National Capital Region.
