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Air quality

Delhi Enters Stage II of Graded Response Action Plan, Restricting Activities to Combat "Very Poor" Air Quality

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Delhi's worsening air quality has prompted the Commission for Air Quality Management to invoke Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), imposing stricter restrictions to combat the "very poor" air quality. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has crossed 300, and the Central Pollution Control Board has recorded the AQI at 296, nearing the "very poor" levels. To mitigate the situation, the Commission has ordered the implementation of several measures, including the restriction of certain activities, deployment of anti-smog guns, and encouragement of public transport use.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Commission for Air Quality Management has invoked Stage II of the Grated Response Action Plan (GRAP) due to the worsening air quality in Delhi, which has crossed 300, marking the air as "very poor."
  • The AQI of Delhi has shown an increasing trend since morning, with a recorded value of 302 at 7:00 PM.
  • Certain activities, including the use of coal and firewood, operation of tandoors at restaurants and hotels, and construction and demolition sites, have been restricted under GRAP Stage II.
  • Megnanzied sweeping of roads, deployment of anti-smog guns, water sprinkling, and ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply are among the measures to be implemented under Stage II of GRAP.
  • The Commission has appealed to residents to use public transport instead of personal vehicles and to take less congested routes.
  • Regular replacement of air filters in automobiles at recommended intervals is recommended to minimize the use of diesel generators.

Statistics:

  • AQI of Delhi: 296 (4:00 PM) and 302 (7:00 PM)
  • Recorded AQI on Sunday evening: 296 (nearing "very poor" levels)
  • Restricted activities under Stage II of GRAP:

+ Use of coal and firewood is banned across Delhi NCR

+ Operation of tandoors at restaurants and hotels is banned

+ Diesel generator sets are only allowed for emergency and essential services

+ All construction and demolition sites are not permitted to resume operations

+ Industrial units under specific closure orders are not permitted to resume operations

Sources:

  • Hindustan Times, Delhi enters Stage II of Graded Response Action Plan after air quality dips to very poor levels (Oct. 19, missing publication date)

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