Delhi’s air quality deteriorates: CAQM enforces Stage-I curbs under GRAP
Signalling the annual return of toxic air in the capital, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the Centre’s anti-pollution panel, has enforced Stage-I restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
The decision, announced on Tuesday, came as Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 211, placing it in the ‘Poor’ category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The Sub-Committee on GRAP, after reviewing real-time CPCB data and forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), noted that the AQI was likely to remain in this range due to stagnant weather conditions.
This marks the first formal activation of GRAP measures this season.
Key Measures under GRAP Stage-I (‘Poor’ Air Quality, AQI 201–300)
- Construction Dust Control: Strict ban on construction activities without dust-mitigation systems; mandatory water sprinkling at project sites.
- Industrial and Vehicular Curbs: Intensified inspections of polluting industries and enhanced CNG compliance for public transport.
- Waste Management: Immediate halt to garbage burning and stricter biomedical waste handling.
- Road and Power Sector: Black carbon emission audits for heavy vehicles; power plants within 10 km of Delhi must operate on 100% piped natural gas.
All local agencies, including municipal bodies, pollution control boards, and district administrations in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Punjab, have been asked to intensify enforcement to prevent a slide into the ‘Very Poor’ or ‘Severe’ categories.
Citizens have been urged to adhere to the GRAP Stage-I Citizen Charter, which recommends using public transport, avoiding outdoor exercise during evening hours, and reporting pollution violations via CAQM’s helpline (1800-180-1708).
Environmental experts, however, have warned that these steps are temporary.
“GRAP is a band-aid. Without addressing stubble burning and interstate coordination, we’re just postponing the inevitable smog blanket,” said Dr Anumita Roychowdhury, Executive Director, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).
Forecasts from IITM’s high-resolution model, which has over 80% accuracy in predicting ‘Very Poor’ pollution episodes, suggest calm winds and clear skies over the next week could trap pollutants, potentially pushing the AQI above 250 by the end of the month.
While September saw relatively cleaner air this year, historical data show Delhi’s AQI plunges sharply after Diwali.
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