Delhi-NCR revises, ramps up measures to tackle air pollution ahead of winter

With winter approaching, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR has been revised, introducing three additional restrictive measures for stage III, which applies when the air quality index (AQI) exceeds 200 and reaches severe levels, reported TOI.

Starting this season, actions in stages II to IV will be implemented three days in advance if forecasts indicate prolonged high AQI levels.

In addition to existing restrictions, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has now prohibited interstate buses running on non-clean fuels, as well as BS-III diesel-operated light commercial vehicles and heavy goods vehicles in Delhi, noted the TOI report.

Earlier, a ban was placed on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers and construction activities during stage III.

This marks the first time the commission will apply GRAP based on projected AQI levels expected to persist over extended periods. Restrictions will be guided by both AQI data and forecasts from the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology.

“Actions under stages II, III and IV of GRAP will be invoked in advance of AQI reaching the projected levels of that stage and also provided that the higher projected AQI levels are likely to sustain for longer periods (say three days or more)” stated CAQM.Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director of research and advocacy at the Centre for Science and Environment, told TOI that while these measures increase stringency, their implementation requires careful preparation and strategy,Under stage III, when AQI is between 400 and 450, construction and demolition activities will be completely banned.

Prohibited dust-generating activities include major welding and gas-cutting, plastering and coatings (except minor indoor repairs), cutting or grinding of flooring materials (except minor indoor work), waterproofing, and the transfer, loading, or unloading of dust-producing materials like cement and bricks.

However, as in previous years, linear public projects, emergency initiatives, sanitation, national importance projects, and non-dust-generating activities will remain exempt during stage III.

Under stage II, when AQI is between 300 and 400, there will be no restrictions on diesel generator sets between 62 kV and 800 kV using dual-fuel mode or retrofitted emission-control devices certified by authorised agencies.

“CAQM announces a revised GRAP schedule to further strengthen measures to combat sudden or anticipated deterioration of air quality in Delhi-NCR during the upcoming winter season. GRAP has been formulated after careful consideration of scientific data, stakeholder inputs and expert recommendations along with field experience and learnings in the past years,” the commission stated.

GRAP serves as an emergency response mechanism across the NCR, relying on average AQI levels in Delhi to coordinate actions among various stakeholders and authorities to address deteriorating air quality.

“The revised GRAP schedule will come into force in the entire NCR now and different stages will be imposed accordingly through specific orders issued from time to time as per the air quality conditions of the region. It shall serve as a tool towards abatement of adverse air quality in NCR generally witnessed during the peak winter months,” CAQM further said.

_{Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their legal original owners.}