In a bid to combat the escalating air pollution crisis in Delhi, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has taken a drastic step by doubling parking fees for its indoor and off-road facilities. This decision, announced in a public notice dated October 22, is a direct response to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) imposing the second stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-II) in the Delhi-NCR region.
The NDMC’s move aims to discourage the use of private vehicles, a significant contributor to Delhi’s poor air quality. The increased parking charges, however, will not apply to on-street parking sites or monthly pass holders.
The announcement stated that this measure will remain in place until the pollution plan is revoked. The GRAP-II, designed to address the capital city’s persistent poor air quality index (AQI), has introduced several measures, including the increased parking fees, to tackle the situation.
Meanwhile, the Public Works Department (PWD) in Delhi has been actively engaged in mitigating the effects of pollution by sprinkling water on the streets. This daily cleaning initiative, which includes mechanical or vacuum sweeping, is part of the CAQM’s GRAP-II directives.
Delhi’s Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, announced the enforcement of GRAP-II rules across north India due to the alarming rise in AQI, exceeding 300. The second stage of the plan introduces five new initiatives, including:
*
Regulation of diesel generators:
Aiming to reduce emissions from this source.*
Increased frequency of metro and bus services:
Encouraging public transportation and reducing reliance on individual vehicles.*
Increased parking costs:
To discourage the use of private vehicles for commuting.*
Enhanced dust control measures:
To minimize dust pollution from construction sites and other sources.*
Stricter enforcement of pollution control measures:
To ensure compliance with existing regulations.As of today, the AQI in Delhi stands at a ‘very poor’ 349, as per SAFAR-India. In areas like Anand Vihar and Jahangirpuri, the air quality has worsened to ‘severe’ levels, reaching 402 and 417 respectively, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The CPCB categorizes AQI as follows:
* 0-50: Good
* 51-100: Satisfactory
* 101-200: Moderate
* 201-300: Poor
* 301-400: Very Poor
* 401-500: Severe
The severe air pollution in Delhi poses a significant threat to public health, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, elderly individuals, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. The NDMC’s decision to increase parking fees is a step in the right direction, but it requires a collective effort from all stakeholders to effectively combat the air pollution crisis in the capital city. The implementation of GRAP-II measures, along with sustained efforts from the government, industries, and citizens, is crucial to improving Delhi’s air quality and safeguarding public health.
