As Delhi’s air quality plummets into the ‘poor’ category, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has taken decisive action. The activation of Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region marks the beginning of a comprehensive strategy to combat the escalating air pollution crisis.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the average Air Quality Index (AQI) stands at 234, highlighting the urgent need for intervention. In response to these concerning figures, the pollution control panel for Delhi-NCR has directed the state governments of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh to implement winter-specific pollution control measures starting from October 14th.
What is GRAP Stage 1 and Its Impact on Delhi?
GRAP Stage 1 plays a vital role in the city’s air pollution management plan, targeting dust from construction sites, improving waste disposal practices, and enhancing road cleaning efforts. Key restrictions under this stage include:
- Banning open burning of waste, a significant source of air pollution.
- Limiting the use of diesel generators.
- Prohibiting coal or firewood use at eateries.
- Implementing stricter monitoring of polluting vehicles to reduce emissions.
These actions are further supported by initiatives aimed at better traffic management and tighter emission controls for industries, power plants, and brick kilns. The 27-point action plan also encourages individual contributions by:
- Turning off car engines at red lights.
- Choosing hybrid or electric vehicles.
- Properly disposing of waste and avoiding littering.
- Reporting air-polluting activities using apps like 311, Green Delhi, and SAMEER.
The Impact of Stubble Burning on Air Quality
Following Dussehra, Delhi’s AQI has fallen into the ‘poor’ category, marking 19 days since the last occurrence of poor air quality on September 25th. This decline is partly due to stubble burning practices prevalent in neighboring states such as Punjab and Haryana.
A recent PTI report indicated that from September 15th to October 13th, Punjab recorded 872 fire counts related to stubble burning. While this is a decrease from 1,230 incidents during the same timeframe last year, it is a notable rise from just 300 cases as of October 7th. These statistics highlight the ongoing challenge of stubble burning and the necessity for collaborative solutions.
Looking Ahead: Vigilance and Community Involvement
The Commission is actively monitoring the situation and will continually assess air quality over the coming days. Various agencies, including the Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) of NCR states and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), are tasked with enforcing GRAP and ensuring compliance. The sub-committee encourages the NCR community to participate in these efforts, recognizing that collective action is vital in tackling this environmental crisis.
The battle against air pollution in Delhi requires a multifaceted approach involving government, agencies, and public participation. The initiation of GRAP Stage 1 is a significant step forward in addressing this pressing issue. The success of these measures will depend on the collective commitment and collaboration of all stakeholders.