With Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 217, placing it in the ‘Poor’ category, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR). The decision was taken after a comprehensive review of the air quality scenario, forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and IITM, and pollution trends indicating a rise in harmful pollutants.

The 27-point action plan under Stage-I of GRAP has been activated with immediate effect, requiring strict implementation by all concerned agencies, including Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) of NCR states and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). These measures focus on mitigating dust pollution from construction and demolition activities, ensuring proper disposal of waste, intensifying road cleaning efforts, and enforcing emission norms for industries and vehicles. Authorities have been directed to deploy anti-smog guns, regulate vehicular emissions, and take stringent action against non-compliant industrial units to curb pollution levels.

The Sub-Committee of CAQM has also urged citizens to cooperate by maintaining vehicle emission standards, reducing waste burning, and adopting eco-friendly practices.

Residents have been advised to ensure their vehicles have up-to-date Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates, use hybrid or electric vehicles whenever possible, and report air-polluting activities through designated apps such as Green Delhi, SAMEER, and 311. The public has been encouraged to plant more trees, avoid firecrackers during festivities, and refrain from driving outdated diesel or petrol vehicles.

As pollution levels tend to worsen in the coming months, authorities are closely monitoring the situation and will take further action if necessary. The CAQM will continue to review air quality data and forecasts to determine if additional restrictions under higher stages of GRAP need to be implemented.

The government has reiterated the importance of collective efforts from agencies, industries, and the public to mitigate air pollution and ensure a healthier environment for Delhi-NCR residents.