The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the Centre's air quality watchdog, on Monday invoked Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR with immediate effect as the national capital's AQI slipped into the 'very poor' category. At 6 pm, the AQI stood at 327, according to the Sameer app.
The latest curbs came a day after an expanded set of winter pollution-control measures came into force on Sunday. These include restrictions on the entry and operation of non-BS-VI vehicles registered outside Delhi, with exemptions for CNG and electric vehicles and specified categories.
The restrictions under GRAP Stage 2 include higher parking charges to discourage the use of private vehicles, a ban on coal and firewood in hotels and restaurants, including for operating tandoors, and tighter regulations on diesel generator sets. Authorities have also been asked to ramp up mechanical road sweeping and water sprinkling with dust suppressants to control pollution.
In an order, the CAQM said the AQI reading had climbed sharply from 117 on October 31 to 261 on November 1, before crossing the 300 mark on Monday morning. The commission attributed the deterioration due to unfavourable weather conditions.
Forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) indicate that air quality is likely to remain in the 'very poor' category over the next few days, the CAQM said.
WHAT RESTRICTIONS COME UNDER GRAP STAGE 2?
Civic agencies have been directed to intensify dust-control operations across Delhi-NCR. Identified roads must undergo daily mechanical or vacuum sweeping, with additional shifts and longer operating hours for sweeping machines. The collected dust must be disposed of at designated sites.
Water sprinkling, along with dust suppressants, will also be carried out daily on roads and right of ways, preferably before peak traffic hours. The exercise will focus particularly on congested stretches, busy intersections and pollution hotspots.
Inspections at construction and demolition sites will be stepped up to ensure compliance with dust-control norms. Authorities have also been asked to take targeted action at identified pollution hotspots, depending on the major sources of emissions in each area.
The plan also calls for higher parking fees as a way to discourage private vehicle use. Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) have been asked to arrange electric heaters and electricity connections for security guards, sanitation workers, horticulture staff and other personnel in residential complexes. This is intended to prevent the burning of biomass and municipal waste in the open during winter.
STAGGERED OFFICE TIMINGS, CURBS ON DIESEL GENERATORS
The CAQM has asked the Delhi government and the governments of NCR states to consider staggered working hours for public offices and municipal bodies in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar. Other NCR districts may take a similar decision, while the Centre may consider staggered timings for its offices in the region
The use of diesel generator sets will also be regulated more strictly under the GRAP Stage 2. Restrictions on coal and firewood use in hotels, restaurants and open eateries will remain in force.
All agencies have been directed to continue implementing the measures prescribed under Stage 1 alongside the additional restrictions under Stage 2.
DELHI'S WINTER ACTION PLAN
The Delhi government on Sunday implemented a winter action plan to mitigate air pollution, including sprinkling water to control dust, promoting public transport and conducting anti-firecracker awareness campaigns.
Under the winter plan, the 'No PUC, No Fuel' rule also requires vehicles to have valid Pollution Under Control certificates to obtain fuel.
The plan further provides for 50 per cent physical attendance in government and private offices, with the remaining employees working from home. Restrictions on dust-generating demolition and outdoor construction activities are also scheduled to remain in force from November 1 to January 31, subject to exemptions.
Separately, the Centre has announced a complete suspension of construction and demolition activities across the NCR from November 5 to November 20.
