As air quality in Delhi worsens, the Centre's air pollution control panel for the Delhi-NCR region has mandated the first stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) starting today. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that Delhi's 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) was 234, indicating poor air quality as of 4 PM on Monday.

The 27-point action plan for Stage I of GRAP will be effective from 8:00 AM on October 15 throughout the National Capital Region (NCR). The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reviewed the current air quality and weather forecasts and decided to implement these control measures, as stated in an official announcement.

Authorities in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi have been instructed to begin enforcing these measures starting at 8 AM today. GRAP is categorized into four stages based on air quality levels: Stage I (AQI 201-300 - Poor), Stage II (AQI 301-400 - Very Poor), Stage III (AQI 401-450 - Severe), and Stage IV (AQI >450 - Severe Plus).

Restrictions Under Stage I of GRAP
Stage I focuses on reducing pollution through various measures, including:

• Enhanced dust control at construction sites.
• Improved waste management practices.
• Regular road cleaning efforts.
• Strict monitoring of polluting vehicles.
• Better traffic management.

Specific bans include:

• Open burning of waste.
• The use of diesel generators.
• Burning of coal or firewood in restaurants.
• Private construction and demolition projects over 500 square meters.
• Production, storage, and sale of firecrackers until January 1, 2025.
• Operation of diesel/petrol vehicles over 10-15 years old.
• Open burning of garbage.
• Actions against industrial units and thermal power plants causing pollution within a 300 km radius of Delhi.

Authorities will also ensure traffic police are present in crowded areas to manage pollution. There will be a zero-tolerance policy for vehicles emitting visible pollutants, with penalties and impounding for violators.

Allowed Activities Under Stage I of GRAP
Despite these restrictions, several activities are permitted under Stage I:

• Manual road sweeping and water sprinkling to mitigate dust pollution.
• Proper maintenance of vehicle engines and tire pressure.
• Ensuring vehicles have up-to-date Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates.
• Turning off vehicle engines at red lights to reduce emissions.
• Encouragement to use hybrid or electric vehicles to lessen vehicular pollution.
• Avoiding littering and proper waste disposal.
• Planting trees to improve air quality.
• Celebrating festivals in an eco-friendly manner, avoiding the use of firecrackers.

The implementation of these measures is crucial for improving air quality and public health in the Delhi-NCR region.

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