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AQI Improves, GRAP Stage-III Restrictions Lifted Across NCR

January 12, 2025, 9:21 pm

The Commission for Air Quality Management’s (CAQM) Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has revoked Stage-III restrictions across the National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect. The decision comes as Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) shows significant improvement, recording 278 at 4 PM on Sunday, well below the Stage-III threshold of 350. Delhi’s average AQI has been on a steady decline, attributed to favorable weather conditions, including rains caused by a Western Disturbance on January 11-12. Further forecasts from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predict another Western Disturbance around January 14-15, signaling continued improvement in air quality.

Stage-III measures, including construction bans and industrial restrictions, were implemented on January 9. While these have been lifted, actions under Stages II and I remain in effect. Authorities have been directed to intensify and monitor these measures to prevent a resurgence in pollution levels. Meanwhile, specific closure orders for Construction Demolition (C&D) sites and industrial units will remain in place unless explicitly revoked by the Commission. The CAQM has urged the citizens to adhere to the Citizen Charter under Stages II and I to maintain the current air quality improvement.

The Sub-Committee emphasized its commitment to closely monitoring the air quality and revisiting decisions if necessary. Stakeholders and the public are advised to remain vigilant, especially during the winter season, when adverse meteorological conditions could impact air quality.

Targeted Measures Enforced by Agencies to Control Air Pollution in Delhi-NCR Under GRAP

November 3, 2024, 8:12 pm

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented a revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in NCR and surrounding areas starting October 15. Various stages of GRAP (Stage I from October 15 and Stage II from October 22) saw targeted actions to control air pollution, detailed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.

1. Establishment of GRAP Monitoring Control Room

A GRAP Monitoring Control Room was set up in the Commission from October 15, headed by a CAQM Member, to coordinate targeted actions across NCR states.
A dedicated WhatsApp group was created to facilitate quick information sharing between the Control Room and State Nodal Officers, with the Control Room operational throughout the week.

2. Construction & Demolition (C&D) Site Inspections and Actions

Intensified inspections at C&D sites across NCR ensured compliance with air pollution control measures.
Over 7,000 C&D sites were inspected, leading to Environmental Compensation (EC) fines on 597 non-compliant sites and closure orders on 56 sites.

3. Dust Control Measures

Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines (MRSMs), water sprinklers, and Anti-Smog Guns (ASGs) were deployed daily to control dust pollution.
Delhi deployed 81 MRSMs daily, while Haryana and Uttar Pradesh deployed 36 each. Approximately 600 water sprinklers and ASGs were used daily across NCR.

4. Vehicle Compliance and Enforcement

An intensive drive was conducted to issue fines to non-compliant vehicles lacking Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates or carrying C&D waste. Over-aged vehicles were also impounded.
Around 54,000 vehicles were fined for not possessing PUCs, and 3,900 over-aged vehicles were impounded.

5. Illegal Dumping and Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Management

Inspections targeted illegal dumping sites and MSW burning across NCR, with more than 5,300 inspections conducted.
Actions were taken against defaulters found burning MSW.

6. Industrial and DG Set Inspections

Inspections of industries and Diesel Generator (DG) sets led to penalties or closure orders for non-compliance with GRAP guidelines.
Approximately 1,400 industries and 1,300 DG sets were inspected, with enforcement measures applied to non-complying units.

Efforts will intensify in the upcoming period, with agencies adjusting actions in response to evolving air quality conditions.

Delhi Implements Stage-I of Graded Response Action Plan, Imposes Restrictions on Vehicles

October 15, 2024, 2:40 pm

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced that Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been activated in the Delhi-NCR region to address escalating air pollution levels. The decision was made after the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the capital crossed the 200-mark, entering the ‘poor’ category.

Key Measures Under GRAP Stage-I

With the AQI crossing 200, the Delhi government has enforced several dust mitigation measures. Minister Rai stated, “When AQI rises above 200, GRAP Stage-I is implemented. We have issued orders to monitor garbage burning, and Pollution Under Control (PUC) certification for vehicles is being checked.”

Specific actions being taken include:

Mechanical sweeping and water sprinkling on roads.
Use of anti-smog guns at major intersections.
A ban on waste burning.
Control of traffic jams.
Restrictions on vehicles older than 10 years (diesel) and 15 years (petrol).

Noida’s Regional Officer Utsav Sharma confirmed similar implementations in Noida. Sharma mentioned that more restrictions will follow if pollution levels continue to rise, while 14 cases of stubble burning have already been tracked via satellite.

Firecracker Ban and Anti-Pollution Campaigns

In an effort to reduce pollution, the Delhi government has announced a ban on the production, storage, distribution, and use of firecrackers until January 1. Minister Rai appealed to residents to cooperate in controlling pollution sources, stating, “If we all work together, the quality of life for Delhi’s residents will improve.”

Additionally, the government has intensified its anti-dust campaign, which started on October 7. Surprise inspections at construction sites revealed non-compliance with dust control regulations, leading to fines being imposed. Rai visited a construction site in Pritam Pura, where a Rs 50,000 fine was imposed for failing to meet dust control standards. He warned that stricter actions will follow if compliance is not ensured.

As winter approaches, Minister Rai acknowledged that air quality typically worsens due to still air, lack of rain, and dropping temperatures, which cause pollution particles to settle closer to the ground. The government, he said, is focusing on reducing pollution sources, including vehicle emissions, dust, and biomass burning.

“We are advancing with 11 key measures to tackle pollution, and will implement emergency measures if the situation demands,” he added. The weather department has forecasted a rapid drop in temperatures, further intensifying concerns about pollution levels in the city.

With Stage-I of GRAP now in place, the Delhi government is taking proactive steps to mitigate the impact of rising air pollution, with further restrictions likely as the winter season progresses.

GRAP Stage-3 activated in Delhi as Air Quality

December 23, 2023, 5:33 am

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), a statutory body, issued orders on Friday to impose a ban on the operation of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi-NCR due to the deteriorating air quality in the region.
Any LMVs (4-wheelers) running on roads with BS-III petrol or BS-IV diesel will face prosecution under Section 194(1) of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, resulting in a fine of Rs 20,000.

Under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), CAQM has lifted a ban on non-essential construction work, stone crushing, and mining in Delhi-NCR. However, construction work pertaining to national security or defence, projects of national importance, healthcare, railways, metro rail, airports, interstate bus terminals, highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission, pipelines, sanitation, and water supply is exempt from the ban. Additionally, restrictions have been imposed on the operation of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar.

Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) has been steadily rising since this morning, reaching 397 at 12 pm and 405 at 3:05 pm.
The CAQM Sub-Committee for Operationalization of actions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) decided to re-invoke an 8-point action plan as per Stage III of GRAP in the entire NCR with immediate effect to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region.

The Ministry stated, “This is in addition to the restrictive actions under Stage-I and Stage-II of GRAP already in force in NCR. Various agencies responsible for implementing measures under GRAP and Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) of NCR and DPCC [Delhi Pollution Control Committee] have also been advised to ensure strict implementation of actions under Stage-III of GRAP in addition to actions under Stage-I and Stage-II of GRAP during this period.”

GRAP is the Centre’s air pollution control plan implemented in the region during the winter season. GRAP categorises actions into four stages: Stage I: ‘Poor’ (AQI 201-300); Stage II: ‘Very Poor’ (AQI 301–400); Stage III: ‘Severe’ (AQI 401–450); and Stage IV: ‘Severe Plus’ (AQI >450).

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai: Air quality is anticipated to improve in next two days

November 26, 2023, 1:01 pm

Due to an increase in wind speed and the likelihood of rain, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai expressed optimism on Sunday that the air quality would continue to improve over the next two days. Minister for the Environment in Delhi, Gopal Rai, stated: “Pollution has increased over the past two to three days, but we have left the “severe category” as of today.” It is expected that the wind speed will increase starting today, and rain is also likely. The air quality improvement that has been observed since today will continue to rise and will be further enhanced over the next two days.

Environment Minister Rai further said on Saturday there have been only 29 incidents of stubble burning.
“Supreme Court had given directions regarding actions to be taken on the ground level for a reduction in Delhi air pollution. The government is working on it with full force. I would also like to tell the people of Delhi that the pollution in north India as of today includes very few incidents of stubble burning…Now, pollution is rising in the north NCR area due to local pollution sources. I would like to urge that the manner in which GRAP III has been strictly implemented in Delhi, there should be regular monitoring in NCR too,” Gopal Rai added.

Rai went on to say that burning biomass was another source of pollution in the area. Since local sources are to blame for the current pollution, the contribution of burning biomass is evident. It is traveling to Delhi from the NCR. I believe that we need to work together, and the weather variations are also offering opportunities to improve the quality of the air,” he continued.

Delhi to implement odd-even vehicle norms from November 13 to 20 to curb pollution

November 6, 2023, 4:54 pm

The Delhi government made the decision on Monday to reinstate the odd-even rule from November 13 to November 20 due to worries about the quality of the air declining. Following a high-level meeting, Delhi Environment, Forest, and Wildlife Minister Gopal Rai informed the media that the decision will take effect one day after Diwali, which is observed on November 12, and last for a week. He stated that a choice about expanding the odd-even rule would be made at a later time.

“In view of air pollution, the odd-even vehicle system will be applicable for one week from 13th to 20th November…,” Gopal Rai said.
He said there is a possibility that the wind speed will increase on November 7, 8 which is expected to reduce the level of pollution.
“As per the forecast, the wind speed will be 12km/hour tomorrow, 7th November and if the speed reaches 10 to 12 km/hour, then there is a possibility that the level of pollution accumulated here might disperse. Similarly, the wind speed will be 8-10 km/hour on 8th November. It is expected that the speed of wind will increase on November 7 and 8 November which will reduce the level of pollution…,” he said.

The Delhi government has implemented a traffic rationing scheme called odd-even scheme, which permits vehicles with registration numbers ending in odd digits on odd dates and even digits on even dates. The System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR-India) reported that the National Capital’s air quality was 488 today, up from 410 the previous day. In order to stop the further deterioration of the air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) decided on Sunday to implement Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) throughout the entire National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect.

Delhi: 8 more pollution hotspots identified,next 2 weeks crucial, according to minister Gopal Rai

October 23, 2023, 3:37 pm

Gopal Rai, the environment minister for Delhi, stated on Monday that the city’s next two weeks are crucial because of the festivals of Dussehra and Deepavali as well as the impact of farm fires. The city has implemented phase two of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to combat the “very poor” air quality. Earlier today, Rai presided over a meeting at the Delhi Secretariat to assess the state of Delhi-NCR’sairquality. He announced that special teams would be sent to locate and examine local sources of pollution.

Rai also said that the Delhi government had reached out to neighbouring states on stubble burning, which contributed to the high levels of pollution. “We have spoken to the environment ministers of the surrounding states and they have assured that they will take action on stubble burning… Due to Diwali, stubble and Dussehra, the next 10 to 15 days are very crucial for Delhi…” Rai said.

After today’s meeting, the environment minister spoke to the media and announced that eight additional pollution hotspots in addition to the current 13 had been found in the city. He also announced the deployment of a special team to locate and examine regional sources of pollution. In Delhi, there are 13 high-pollution areas. Due to regional factors, the AQI was above 300 today at 8 other locations, including Shadipur, Mandir Marg, Patparganj, Sonia Vihar, and Moti Bagh. Special teams will be sent here to locate and examine any nearby sources of pollution, according to Gopal Rai.

The overall air quality in the national capital on Monday morning was recorded in the ‘Very Poor category’, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 306 against 302 recorded on Sunday afternoon, as per SAFAR-India.
The overall air quality in the National Capital deteriorated from the ‘poor’ category to the ‘very poor’ category, with the Air Quality Index at 302 on Sunday afternoon, as per data from SAFAR-India.

“Second phase of GRAP implemented in Delhi to reduce pollution,” Gopal Rai

October 23, 2023, 11:04 am

Environment Minister Gopal Rai stated on Monday that the second phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been implemented in Delhi to lessen the effects of increased pollution in the national capital, despite Delhi’s air quality continuing to remain in the “very poor” category with an AQI of 306. The environment minister also mentioned that all the relevant departments will meet on Monday at 12 p.m. to discuss the implementation of the GRAP phase 2 in Delhi.

“The cold has started increasing in Delhi and the speed of the wind has decreased, this may result in an increase in pollution… The particulate matter is staying near the ground. The second phase of GRAP has been implemented in Delhi… A meeting has been called with all the concerned departments to discuss the execution of the GRAP phase 2,” Rai told .

“The weather is not in our hands but the sources need to be controlled so that the effect of pollution on the health of the people is reduced as much as possible,” the Environment Minister added.

Gopal Rai responded that the focus of GRAP 2 is primarily on cleaning and water sprinkling when asked about the measures being taken to reduce pollution in the national capital.

“A meeting has been called at 12 pm today… We have spoken to the environment ministers of the surrounding states and they have assured us that they will take action on stubble burning… Due to Diwali, stubble and Dussehra, the next 10 to 15 days are very crucial for Delhi,” Rai added.

Centre’s GRAP comes into effect from today to control pollution in Delhi

October 1, 2023, 3:48 pm

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the center has been put into effect in Delhi as of right now due to the potential for an increase in pollution levels during the winter. The GRAP’s Winter Action Plan steps are very crucial. GRAP consists of a total of four stages.

Stage 1 – ‘poor’ (AQI 201-300); Stage 2 – ‘very poor’ (AQI 301-400); Stage 3 – ‘severe’ (AQI 401-450); and Stage 4 – ‘severe plus’ (AQI >450).
The action plan was implemented as an emergency response mechanism to poor air quality levels. But this time, the government implemented GRAP even before the worsening of Delhi’s air quality.

Only when the air quality becomes extremely poor will different phases of the action plan be put into action. Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) is currently below 200. The Environment Ministry announced on Friday, in advance of the implementation of the GRAP to combat pollution, that diesel generator sets for all capacity ranges will be permitted to operate in Delhi-NCR from October 1 through December 31 as a one-time exception. The Commission for Air Quality Management made the choice.

Since May 15, the commission has prohibited the use of diesel generator sets in the National Capital Region (NCR)’scommercialand industrial sectors. Residents’ welfare organizations vehemently disagreed with CAQM’s earlier decision to outright forbid diesel gensets during GRAP.

Delhi bans construction work as air quality worsens to ‘severe’

December 5, 2022, 8:41 am

The air quality in the national capital and surrounding areas on Sunday worsened drastically, leading to a ban of construction and demolition activities. Authorities in Delhi have issued fresh restrictions on construction work and demolition activities.
Delhi’s 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) stood at 407 at 4 pm on Sunday, however, at one point it reached 447. Following this, CAQM directed the authorities to impose a ban on all construction and demolition activities in Delhi-NCR, except in essential projects.
The ban will be effective under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
In fact, the air quality has been very poor during the weekend. On Saturday and Sunday, the national capital woke up to smog with very poor AQI. Noida on Saturday also recorded ‘very poor’ AQI on Sunday at 379.
The announcement came after the air quality in Delhi and the national capital region worsened again, breaching the ‘severe’ category. The CAQM, which on Sunday chaired a meeting to review the air quality in Delhi-NCR, put out a release saying, “As the AQI in Delhi has slipped into ‘severe’ category, the sub-committee had decided that all actions, as envisaged under Stage III of the GRAP, be implemented in right earnest by all the agencies concerned, with immediate effect in the NCR, in addition to all action under Stage I and Stage II of the GRAP.”
The panel further observed that the air quality saw a further deterioration over the last 24 hours, with Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) at 407 on 4 December, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
In its order CAQM said, “All private construction activities are banned under this action plan. Apart from construction, demolition activities are also banned except for projects related to rail services or rail operations, metro projects, airport projects, ISBT projects, projects related to national security or defence, projects of national importance, and healthcare facilities. Sanitation projects, highways, roads, flyovers, over bridges, power transmission, and pipeline laying are also allowed during this period.”
“Brick kilns and hot mix plants not operating on clean fuels are also prohibited from carrying out any activities in a bid to reduce pollution levels. Additionally, all mining and activities associated with it are also not

allowed. However, industrial operations involving milk and dairy units and those involved in the manufacturing of life-saving medical equipment, drugs, etc are exempted from such restrictions,” as per the statement.
It further said, “Road constructions or repair works including paving of sidewalks and pathways and central verges etc. are not permitted during this time. But construction projects which involve plumbing works, interior decoration, electrical works, and carpentry-related projects are permitted to continue, as per the notification.”

GRAP may not be enforced by the Delhi government as rain is expected in Delhi

October 3, 2022, 11:40 am

Delhi authorities will likely hold off the enforcement of new Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) till at least 8 October as rainfall is expected in the national capital. The new Graded Response Action Plan can be enforced anytime after 1 October as soon as the Air Quality Index (AQI) falls in the “poor” category with the reading of ‘201’ or higher.According to the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi’s AQI was recorded at 181 (moderate) on Sunday.It is expected to start improving gradually as light rain hits Delhi on Tuesday.An AQI reading between zero and 50 is considered “good”, 51 and 100 “satisfactory”, 101 and 200 “moderate”, 201 and 300 “poor”, 301 and 400 “very poor”, and 401 and 500 “severe”.The Indian Meteorological Department’s forecast for Monday shows clear sky with maximum temperature to be at 35 degree Celsius and minimum temperature to be at 23 degree Celsius. The maximum and minimum temperature recorded on Sunday was 34.7°C and 23.7°C, respectively.According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), light rain is expected over the Capital from 4 October to 8 October, due to a low-pressure area currently over the Bay of Bengal, which will gradually move towards northwest India. An official said, “This will bring moisture-laden easterly and southeasterly winds to the region, and, as the weather system moves closer to northwest India and Madhya Pradesh, the intensity of rain will increase.”According to the EWS forecast, Delhi’s AQI is likely to remain in the upper end of the “moderate” category on both Sunday and Monday, with little chances of it touching “poor”.