Delhi-NCR construction is once again permitted when the air quality improves

  • Dec. 8, 2022, 12:32 p.m.

With the air quality in Delhi improving significantly, the Center's air quality panel has revoked the curbs that were introduced in Delhi as part of Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect, including a ban on non-essential construction work.

While comprehensively reviewing the overall air quality parameters of Delhi-NCR, the Commission noted that due to forecasts by IMD and IITM not indicating the overall AQI of Delhi will slip into the "severe" category in the next few days and as it is likely to fluctuate between the "poor" and "very poor" categories, it is advisable to relax the restrictions and further roll back Stage-III of the GRAP with immediate effect in the entire NCR.

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The Sub-Committee in its meeting today comprehensively reviewed the air quality scenario in the region as well as the IMD/IITM forecasts for meteorological conditions and air quality index of Delhi and observed as under:

The overall AQI of Delhi has been progressively improving with 407 recorded on 04.12.2022; 347 on 05.12.2022; 353 on 06.12.2022; and 304 recorded today which is below the threshold for invoking the GRAP Stage-III actions (Delhi AQI 401-450).

Further, the AQI is seeing a downward trend with a favourable improvement in the average AQI as well. Preventive, mitigation, and restrictive actions under all stages up to Stage II are already underway, and the forecasts by IMD and IITM also do not indicate that the AQI will fall into the "severe" category in the next few days.

Further, actions under Stage-I to Stage-II of the GRAP shall however remain invoked and be implemented, intensified, monitored and reviewed by all agencies concerned in the entire NCR to ensure that the AQI levels do not slip further to the 'Severe' category. All implementing agencies shall keep strict vigil and especially intensify measures under Stages I and II of GRAP, which include the following:

  • mechanical/vacuum-based sweeping of roads to be carried out on a daily basis.
  • Ensure water sprinkling along with the regular use of dust suppressants on roads to arrest road dust, especially at hotspots, heavy traffic corridors, and vulnerable areas (before peak hours), and proper disposal of dust collected in designated sites or landfills.
  • Regular inspection and strict enforcement of dust control measures at construction and demolition (C&D) sites, and enforcement of directions on the use of ani-smog guns,
  • Do not allow coal or firewood, including in tandoors, in hotels, restaurants, or open eateries.
  • Ensure hotels, restaurants, and open eateries use only electricity or clean-fuel gas-based appliances.
  • Enhance parking fees to discourage private transport.
  • Regulated use of DG Sets except for the emergent and essential services.
  • C&D project sites and industrial units that have been issued specific closure orders on account of violations or non-compliances with various statutory directions, rules, guidelines, etc. shall under no circumstances resume operations without any specific order to this effect from the Commission.

Further, the Commission has once again appealed to the citizens of NCR to cooperate in implementing GRAP and follow the steps mentioned in the Citizen Charter under GRAP. Citizens are advised to:

  • Use public transport and minimise the use of personal vehicles.
  • Regularly replace air filters at recommended intervals in your automobiles.
  • Avoid dust-generating construction activities.
  • Various agencies are responsible for implementing measures under GRAP and the Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) of the NCR and
  • The DPCC has also been advised to ensure strict implementation of the actions of Stage I and Stage II under GRAP in the NCR.

Further, the Commission is closely watching the situation and will review the air quality scenario accordingly. The revised schedule of the GRAP is available on the Commission's official website and can be accessed via caqm.nic.in.

Author : Rajdhani Delhi Representative

Rajdhani delhi representative

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