GRAP Stage II imposed in Delhi-NCR as AQI hits 324; check restrictions

New Delhi: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has imposed Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR with immediate effect as air pollution levels worsened in the national capital. Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 324 on Monday, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category.

According to the CAQM, Delhi’s AQI rose from 117 on October 31 to 261 on November 1 before climbing further to 324 on Monday. The authority attributed the sudden deterioration to unfavourable weather conditions.

With GRAP Stage II now in force, agencies across the National Capital Region have been asked to step up measures to control dust pollution, reduce vehicle emissions and prevent further deterioration in air quality.

In its order dated November 2, the CAQM directed all concerned agencies to continue implementing measures under GRAP Stages I and II. It also asked them to maintain strict vigil and intensify pollution-control efforts. The authority said the situation would be reviewed regularly based on air quality readings and forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and IITM.

GRAP Stage II in Delhi-NCR: Key restrictions

Under Stage II, authorities have been directed to strengthen dust-control measures and take steps to reduce pollution from vehicles and construction activities. The main measures include:

Road cleaning: Daily mechanical and vacuum sweeping of identified roads, along with water sprinkling, preferably during night and early morning hours.

Dust suppression: Regular water sprinkling with dust suppressants on busy roads, traffic corridors and congestion points.

Pollution hotspots: Targeted action at identified pollution hotspots across Delhi-NCR.

Construction sites: Stricter inspections and enforcement of dust-control measures at construction and demolition sites.

Higher parking fees: Increased parking charges to discourage the use of private vehicles.

Preventing open burning: RWAs must arrange electric heaters and electricity points for security guards, sanitation workers and other staff to prevent the burning of waste and biomass.

Staggered office timings: Government offices in Delhi and parts of NCR may operate at staggered timings to reduce traffic congestion.

What residents should do under GRAP Stage II

The CAQM has also urged residents to follow the GRAP citizen charter and make changes to their daily routines to help control pollution.

People have been advised to:

• Use public transport and avoid unnecessary journeys in private vehicles.
• Choose less congested routes and follow traffic rules.
• Get vehicle air filters replaced regularly.
• Avoid construction activities that generate dust.
• Keep kitchen chimney filters clean.
• Avoid open burning of waste, biomass and other materials.
• Work from home wherever possible, depending on job requirements.

The latest restrictions come a day after separate vehicle-entry rules came into force in Delhi under the winter pollution-control plan. From November 1, petrol and diesel vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet BS-VI emission standards have been barred from entering the capital. Electric, CNG and BS-VI-compliant vehicles are exempt from the restrictions.