The Sub-Committee for operationalization of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas (CAQM) held an emergency meeting today. The meeting was held in view of Delhi’s AQI forecast for 22.10.2022 reaching to the projected levels of Stage II of GRAP, based on the dynamic model and weather/ meteorological forecast provided by IMD / IITM. As per the forecast provided by Air Quality Early Warning System, Delhi’s AQI is projected to cross 301 on 22.10.2022.
The Sub-committee comprehensively reviewed the air quality scenario in the region and noted that the air quality parameters are likely to dip on 22.10.2022 in the region making it to move into the “Very POOR” category. In an effort to ameliorate the AQI of Delhi-NCR, the sub-committee has taken the call to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage II of the GRAP – ‘Very POOR’ Air Quality (DELHI AQI ranging between 301-400), three days in advance to the projected levels i.e. today with immediate effect in the entire NCR by all the agencies concerned. This is in addition to the restrictive actions mentioned in Stage I of GRAP. Various agencies responsible for implementing measures under GRAP and Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) of NCR and DPCC have been advised to ensure strict implementation of actions of Stage II under GRAP during this period.
Further, the Sub-Committee also appealed to the citizens of NCR to cooperate in implementing GRAP and follow the steps mentioned in the Citizen Charter of Stage II of GRAP. Citizens are advised to:
- Use public transport and minimize use of personal vehicles.
- Regularly replace air filters at recommended intervals in your automobiles.
- Avoid dust generating construction activities
Apart from that, a 12-point action plan as per Stage 2 of GRAP is applicable with immediate effect from today in the entire NCR. This 12-point action plan includes steps to be implemented/ ensured by different agencies and Pollution Control Boards of NCR and DPCC. These steps are:
- Mechanical/vacuum-based sweeping of roads to be carried out on a daily basis.
- Ensure water sprinkling along with use of dust suppressants (at least every alternate day) on roads to arrest road dust especially at hotspots, heavy traffic corridors, vulnerable areas (before peak hours) and proper disposal of dust collected in designated sites/landfills.
- Regular inspection and strict enforcement of dust control measures at C&D sites.
- Do not allow coal / firewood including in Tandoors in Hotels, Restaurants and open eateries.
- Ensure hotels, restaurants and open eateries use only electricity/ clean fuel gas based appliances. Enforce guidelines for use of anti-smog guns at construction sites.
- Ensure uninterrupted power supply to discourage use of Generator sets.
- Stop use of Diesel Generators (DG) except for the following emergent and essential services:
- Medical Services (Hospitals/ Nursing Home / Health care facilities) including units involved in manufacturing of life saving medical equipment / devices, drugs and medicines.
- Elevators / Escalators / travelators etc. in various installations.
- Railway Services / Railway stations.
- Metro Rail Services, including stations.
- Airports and Inter-State Bus Terminals.
- Sewage Treatment Plants.
- Water Pumping Stations.
- National Security / Defence related activities.
- Projects of national importance.
- Telecommunication / Data Services.
In respect of industrial sector, due to operational and technical exigencies and to cater to situations of irregular power supply, regulated use of DG Sets shall be permitted in accordance with Directions dated 08.02.2022, issued by the Commission. There shall, however, be no restrictions on operation of CNG / PNG / LPG fired Generator Sets for any sector.
- Synchronize traffic movements and deploy adequate personnel at intersections/ traffic congestion points for smooth flow of traffic.
- Alert in newspapers / TV / radio to advise people about air pollution levels and Do’s and Don’ts for minimizing polluting activities.
- Enhance Parking fees to discourage private transport.
- Augment CNG/ electric bus and metro services by procuring additional fleet and increasing the frequency of service.
- Resident Welfare Associations to provide electric heaters during winter to security staff to avoid open Bio-Mass and MSW burning.
The citizens using DG Sets and DISCOMS are once again advised to comply with the directions of the Commission and adhere to the steps mentioned in Stage II in addition to the restrictive actions mentioned in Stage I of GRAP. The revised schedule of GRAP is available on the Commission’s website and can be accessed via www.caqm.nic.in
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