New Delhi: Amidst a rapid deterioration in air quality in Delhi-NCR, the Sub-Committee for the operationalization of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) by the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas (CAQM) held an emergency meeting today. The committee, analyzing the current air quality scenario, meteorological conditions, and air quality index, observed a significant spike in the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) due to unfavorable climatic conditions, low wind speed, increased moisture levels, low mixing heights, and local pollution sources.
As of 10 AM and 11 AM today, the average AQI for Delhi stood at 458 and 457, respectively. While acknowledging the spike, the committee anticipates that the ‘Severe’ AQI category (401-450) may persist for a few days based on forecasts from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).
To prevent further deterioration of air quality, the Sub-Committee has decided to implement all actions outlined in Stage-III of the revised GRAP immediately in the entire National Capital Region (NCR). This additional measure comes on top of the preventive and restrictive actions already in force under Stage-I and Stage-II of GRAP in the NCR. Various agencies and Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) responsible for GRAP implementation have been instructed to ensure strict adherence to Stage-III measures.
The 8-point action plan under Stage-III of GRAP, effective immediately, includes specific steps to be enforced by different agencies and Pollution Control Boards in the NCR and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). These measures aim to address the current air quality crisis and mitigate its impact on public health and the environment.