Amid the worsening air quality in the national capital, the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and adjoining areas on Monday decided to invoke Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).


The decision of the CAQM comes as the air quality of Delhi has worsened over the past few days and is expected to dip further as winter sets in India prepares for various festivals. 


As part of measures to be taken under Stage II, the operation of diesel generator sets is to be regulated as per the CAQM’s directions. The new measures will be implemented from 8 am on Tuesday. 


According to CAQM, the air quality in Delhi was hovering around 300 on Monday. At round 4pm, it was recorded as 301. Earlier on Sunday, the data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) said the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 277 at 4 pm.


“The Sub-Committee constituted for invoking actions under the GRAP in its meeting held on 21st October, 2024 comprehensively reviewed the air quality scenario in the region as well as the forecasts for meteorological conditions and air quality index of Delhi made available by IMD/IITM. The AQI of Delhi since morning has been hovering around 300 and at 4:00 P.M, t has been recorded as 410. Forecasts from IMD/IITM also indicate a likelihood of the AQI of Delhi to particularly remain in “VERY POOR” category (DELHI AQI 301- 4O0) in the coming days, owing to unfavourable meteorological & climatic conditions and calm winds,” the statement stated.


Here are some of the measures under the Stage II of GRAP:


- Carry out mechanical or vacuum sweeping and water sprinkling of the identified roads on a daily basis.


- Ensure water sprinkling along with use of dust suppressants on roads to decrease road dust, especially at hotspots, heavy traffic corridors and vulnerable areas. Ensure proper disposal of dust collected in designated sites and landfills.


- Intensify inspections for strict enforcement of dust control measures at C&D sites.


- Ensure focused and targeted action for abatement of air pollution in all identified hotspots in NCR. Intensify remedial measures for the predominant sector(s) contributing to adverse air quality in each of such hotspots.


- Ensure uninterrupted power supply to discourage the use of alternate power Generating sets and equipment.


- Strictly implement the Schedule for regulated operations of DG sets across all sectors in the NCR including Industrial, Commercial, Residential etc in accordance with Direction No. 76 dated 29.O9.2023.


- Synchronize traffic movements and deploy appropriate personnel at intersections and traffic congestion points for a smooth flow of traffic.


- Enhance vehicle parking fees to discourage private transport.


- Augment CNG and electric bus and metro services by inducting additional fleet and increasing the frequency of service.


Why Is Delhi's AQI Worsening?


The deterioration in Delhi in the last couple of days follows a brief period of relatively better air quality over the past three weeks. Experts are attributing the spike in pollution levels to seasonal changes and increased stubble burning.


The study shows that the fire count -- an indicator of stubble burning -- has been steadily decreasing over the last five years in states such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.


The current PM2.5 levels in the national capital are already around 110 µg/m3 and this figure is expected to rise in the coming weeks as stubble burning intensifies in neighbouring states like Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.


During the winter months, Delhi experiences severe pollution, driven by a combination of factors, such as low wind speeds, dropping temperatures, high moisture levels and the presence of pollution particles that act as surfaces for condensation.