GRAP II imposed in Delhi with immediate effect amid 'very poor' air quality; check key restrictions

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) imposed Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage II across Delhi-NCR with immediate effect on Monday as air quality in the national capital deteriorated to the ‘very poor’ category.

The authority cited a sharp rise in Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) from 117 on October 31 to 261 on November 1, followed by a further increase to 324 on Monday amid “unfavourable weather conditions”.

Under GRAP Stage II rules, administration is required to intensify measures to curb dust pollution and promote public transport.


Also read: BS-IV vehicles barred, WFH mandates, construction ban: Delhi’s winter pollution crackdown begins

The order dated November 2 mentioned that actions under Stage-I & II of the extant GRAP shall be implemented, monitored and reviewed in right earnest by all the agencies concerned in entire NCR to ensure that the AQI levels do not slip further.

All implementing agencies shall keep strict vigil and intensify measures of the extant GRAP schedule, it stated.

The authorities appealed to citizens to strictly adhere to the citizen charter under GRAP Stage-I and II.

The authorities shall be keeping a close watch on the air quality scenario and review the situation from time to time for further appropriate decision depending upon the air quality in Delhi and forecast made by IMD/IITM.

The latest announcement comes a day after GRAP-related vehicle restrictions were imposed in Delhi under its winter pollution-control plan.

Under the new arrangements which came into effect on November 1, petrol and diesel vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not comply with BS-VI emission standards are barred from entering the national capital. However, electric and CNG vehicles, along with BS-VI-compliant vehicles, are exempt from these restrictions.

Also read: Delhi Metro announces 20 additional trips on weekdays amid GRAP-II curbs

The enforcement of the pollution control is being jointly carried out by the Delhi Environment and Transport Departments, along with the traffic police.

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced 20 more trips for weekdays, starting Tuesday, thereby, increasing the total number of additional trips on its network by 40.

"In the wake of implementation of GRAP-II in the capital, Delhi Metro will be running 20 more trips from tomorrow on weekdays, thereby, increasing the total number of additional trips on its network by 40," it said in a statement.

GRAP 2 imposed in Delhi-NCR: Key restrictions below:

Under Stage 2 of the GRAP, authorities across Delhi-NCR are required to intensify measures to control dust and vehicular emissions, prevent waste burning and curb pollution at identified hotspots. The measures include enhanced mechanised road cleaning, water sprinkling, stricter enforcement at construction sites and steps to reduce private vehicle usage, alongside measures by government offices, RWAs and citizens to minimise pollution.

• Mechanised road sweeping: Carry out daily mechanical/vacuum sweeping and water sprinkling on identified roads, preferably at night or early morning. Increase machine deployment hours and shifts, and ensure collected dust is disposed of at designated sites or landfills.
• Water sprinkling and dust suppression: Ensure daily water sprinkling, along with dust suppressants, before peak traffic hours on roads, right of ways, heavy traffic corridors and congestion points.
• Pollution hotspots: Intensify targeted pollution-control measures at identified hotspots across Delhi-NCR, focusing on the predominant pollution sources in each area.
• Construction and demolition sites: Intensify inspections and strictly enforce dust-control measures at C&D sites.
• Higher parking fees: Enhance vehicle parking fees to discourage the use of private transport.
• Prevent open burning: RWAs must provide electric heaters and electricity supply points to security, sanitation, horticulture and other staff to prevent open burning of biomass and municipal solid waste during winter.
• Staggered office timings: GNCTD and NCR state governments are advised to stagger timings of public offices and municipal bodies in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar. Other NCR areas may also stagger timings. The Central Government may decide on staggered timings for its offices in Delhi-NCR.

What people are advised to do under GRAP II restrictions

• Use public transport and minimise the use of personal vehicles.
• Use technology to choose less congested routes, even if they are slightly longer.
• Ensure proper parking, follow lane discipline and keep pedestrian footpaths clear.
• Replace vehicle air filters regularly, as recommended.
• Avoid dust-generating construction activities from October to January.
• Clean kitchen chimney filters at regular intervals.
• Avoid outdoor smoke-generating cooking and heating activities in residential areas and public spaces.
• Prevent the accumulation and open burning of solid waste and biomass.
• Work from home where job responsibilities permit.