'Teams Monitoring GRAP-4 Curbs On Ground': Delhi Minister Says AQI To Remain 'Very Poor' For 2-3 Days

The Delhi Environment Minister said that, in view of the current situation, a Special Task Force has been formed to monitor the implementation of GRAP-4.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai.

Source : Getty

Delhi Air Pollution: As the national capital continues to reel under worsening air quality, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Thursday that the AQI in the city is set to remain in the "very poor" category for the next two to three days due to low wind speed. He futher stated that in view of the current situation a Special Task Force has been formed to monitor the implementation of GRAP-4.        

"The current situation is such that for 2-3 days the AQI is going to remain in the 'very poor' category only because as per the prediction for tomorrow, the wind speed...will remain low...till wind speed increases, the AQI will stay in 'very poor' category...by looking at this, a decision has been taken today that we need to monitor the implementation of GRAP-4 on the ground...for that 6-member Special Task Force has been formed, Special Secretary Environment will be in-charge of this," Gopal Rai said.

#WATCH | On Delhi pollution, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai says, " The current situation is such that for 2-3 days the AQI is going to remain in the 'very poor' category only because as per the prediction for tomorrow, the wind speed...will remain low...till wind speed… pic.twitter.com/1uXXsjjkHZ

— ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2023

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Thursday called a high-level meeting at the Delhi Secretariat to discuss and enhance the enforcement of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) rules to combat the city's pollution crisis.

"A meeting has been called at the Delhi Secretariat with all the concerned departments to discuss how to enhance the implementation and enforcement of the rules of GRAP that are in effect to control pollution. The meeting will explore what steps can be taken to ensure that the provisions of GRAP 4 can be implemented more firmly on the ground, Gopal Rai told ANI.

Earlier in the day, a layer of haze engulfed the national capital as the overall air quality in the city was recorded in the "very poor" category on Thursday morning. The overall AQI was recorded at 386, as per the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research.