Delhi Pollution: What's permitted and what's prohibited under new GRAP II rules in NCR

In light of the alarming air quality levels in the National Capital Region (NCR), authorities will implement Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan ( GRAP) starting at 8:00 AM on October 22, 2024. The Commission for Air Quality Management ( CAQM) announced this decision after Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 312, marking the air quality as "Very Poor."

Understanding GRAP and AQI Categories
GRAP is a set of emergency protocols activated when pollution levels reach hazardous standards. Stage II is triggered when the AQI falls into the range of 301 to 400. The CAQM stated, "In an effort to prevent further deterioration of the air quality, the Sub-Committee decided that all actions as envisaged under Stage II of the GRAP-Very Poor Air Quality be implemented by all the agencies concerned in the NCR, in addition to the Stage-I actions already in force, from 8:00 A.M. of 22.10.2024 in the National Capital Region (NCR)."

The AQI classification is as follows:

• 0 to 50: Good
• 51 to 100: Satisfactory
• 101 to 200: Moderate
• 201 to 300: Poor
• 301 to 400: Very Poor
• 401 to 500: Severe

GRAP II: What allowed and what's not
The implementation of Stage II will see several restrictions and actions put into place to combat air pollution. Key actions include:

• A ban on diesel generators across all sectors, including industrial, commercial, and residential areas.
• Increased mechanical or vacuum sweeping and water sprinkling on identified roads, especially in high-traffic areas and pollution hotspots.
• The use of dust suppressants every alternate day during non-peak hours, along with proper disposal of collected dust.
• Intensified inspections at construction and demolition sites to enforce dust control measures.
• Specific actions to focus on pollution hotspots throughout the city.

The CAQM has also emphasized the need for "uninterrupted power supply to prevent use of backup generators" and the enforcement of a regulated schedule for generator operation.


GRAP II: Traffic Management and Public Transport Enhancements
To mitigate rising congestion and pollution, authorities will deploy additional traffic personnel at busy junctions and increase parking fees to discourage the use of private transport. Additionally, the government plans to start more CNG and electric buses and increase metro service frequencies.

GRAP II: Recommendations for Residents
In light of the deteriorating air quality, residents are advised to adopt the following measures:

• Use public transport and minimize personal vehicle use.
• Choose less congested routes, even if longer.
• Regularly replace air filters in vehicles.
• Avoid dust-generating construction activities between October and January.
• Refrain from burning solid waste or biomass in the open.

The CAQM encourages public awareness about air pollution levels and tips on reducing pollution activities through various media outlets, including newspapers, TV, and radio.

Ongoing Efforts to Combat Air Pollution
As a thick layer of smog blankets various areas of Delhi, with the neighbouring cities of Ghaziabad and Noida reporting slightly better conditions, the CAQM's decision to enforce Stage II of GRAP underscores the urgency of addressing air pollution. By implementing these measures, authorities aim to improve air quality and protect public health, especially as the winter months approach and pollution levels typically rise.