New Delhi, Oct 22 (FN Agency) As Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) entered the ‘Very Poor’ category with a reading of 310, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Monday ordered the implementation of GRAP-II in Delhi-NCR region. Delhi’s overall air quality is likely to remain in the ‘very poor’ category in the coming days due to unfavourable meteorological and climatic conditions, according to the air quality forecast provided by the IMD. The Sub-Committee for Operationalisation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) met today to take stock of the air quality situation of Delhi-NCR. “Delhi recorded a daily average AQI of 310 in the ‘Very Poor’ category,” as per the CPCB Bulletin.In an effort to prevent further deterioration of air quality, the Sub-Committee for Operationalisation of GRAP has taken the call to invoke an 11-point action plan as per Stage II of the revised GRAP in the entire NCR. All actions as envisaged under Stage-II of the revised GRAP, ‘Very Poor’ Air Quality (DELHI AQI-3O1-4OO), are to be implemented in earnest by all concerned agencies in NCR, effective from 8:00 a.m. today, i.e., 22nd October, in addition to all Stage I actions of GRAP that are already in force, an official statement said.
“Agencies responsible for implementing measures under GRAP, including Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) of NCR States and DPCC, have been addressed to ensure successful and strict implementation of actions under Stage-II of GRAP in addition to actions under Stage-I of GRAP during this period,” it said. The Sub-Committee also urged citizens to adhere to the following specific steps listed in the Citizen Charter of Stage-II along with Stage-I of GRAP and assist in effective implementation of the GRAP measures aimed towards sustaining and improving the air quality in the region. It advised people to use public transport and minimise use of personal vehicles, use technology, take less congested routes even if slightly longer, regularly replace air filters at recommended intervals in your automobiles, avoid dust-generating construction activities during the months of October to January, and avoid open burning of solid waste and biomass. Further, an 11-point action plan as per Stage-II of GRAP is applicable with immediate effect in the entire NCR, in addition to all Stage-I actions of GRAP already in force, the statement said.