In view of the escalating levels of air pollution in Delhi and the National Capital Region, the Commission for Air Quality Management has taken a major and decisive step. With the air quality in the national capital and surrounding areas continuously deteriorating, the commission has enforced the second stage of the Graded Response Action Plan, commonly known as GRAP Stage II, with immediate effect starting from November 2. Following the implementation of this order, additional and rigorous measures have been initiated to control pollution across Delhi and neighboring cities. All relevant departments and administrative agencies have been issued strict directives to enforce these preventive measures vigorously on the ground to tackle the worsening environmental conditions effectively.
The rapid escalation of pollution levels in Delhi can be clearly understood through recent data recorded by monitoring agencies. On October 31, the Air Quality Index of the capital was recorded at 117, which was relatively moderate or satisfactory. However, this situation shifted drastically, and on the very next day, November 1, the AQI surged to 261, marking the beginning of the very poor category. The situation deteriorated further on November 2, pushing the AQI to a high level of 324. Due to this alarming spike, the air quality in Delhi plunged firmly into the very poor category, causing severe breathing difficulties for residents and prompting the CAQM to immediately enforce GRAP Stage II.
Understanding GRAP Stage II and Its Mechanism
The Graded Response Action Plan is a structured system formulated to control air pollution, implemented in distinct stages based on air quality levels and actual pollution conditions. The first stage is associated with poor air quality, the second stage with very poor air quality, the third stage with severe air quality, and the fourth and final stage is triggered during severe plus air quality conditions. The second stage of GRAP is activated when air quality enters the very poor category. Upon its enforcement, regular measures from the first stage continue, and several additional and stringent steps are implemented to curb pollution rapidly. The primary objective is to reduce dust particles and other pollutants suspended in the ambient air.
Daily Mechanical Sweeping and Regular Water Sprinkling
Following the enforcement of GRAP Stage II, a special and comprehensive cleanliness campaign will be launched across Delhi NCR focusing on roads. Under this initiative, mechanical sweeping using advanced machines will be carried out on major arterial roads and high traffic volume corridors. Regular water sprinkling will be conducted systematically to prevent accumulated dust on road surfaces from becoming airborne. Plus, special attention will be directed toward pollution hotspots, which are specific areas known for persistently poor air quality. Relevant agencies must execute additional cleaning tasks and ensure strict pollution control measures at these critical locations. Compliance with prescribed rules to prevent dust and pollution at construction sites will also be strictly ensured. Authorities will monitor open storage of construction materials, dust generation, and other construction activities closely.
Appeal to Reduce Personal Vehicle Use and Hike Parking Fees
To bring down air pollution levels and control vehicular emissions, citizens have been strongly urged to minimize the use of personal vehicles and shift towards public transport. People are advised to maximize their usage of the metro, buses, and other public transit systems to reduce vehicular density on roads. This shift will help decrease the number of operational vehicles on streets and effectively control toxic exhaust emissions. Also, provisions for hiking parking fees have been incorporated under this framework. The primary objective of this measure is to discourage individuals from using personal transport, compelling them to opt for public transit systems to help lower pollution levels.
Considering Changes in Government Office Timings and Work From Home
In view of the escalating pollution levels in Delhi NCR, authorities are also seriously considering altering the operational timings of government offices. Timings for government and semi-government offices across Delhi, as well as surrounding cities like Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Noida, may be staggered. Such an adjustment is expected to help ease vehicular congestion and reduce traffic pressure on roads during peak commuting hours, while Besides, strong emphasis is being laid on advising office employees to adopt work from home arrangements. Implementing this measure can substantially reduce the number of daily commuter vehicles on roads and aid in lowering pollution graphs.
Public Appeal for Cooperation in Pollution Control
Achieving comprehensive control over environmental pollution requires not only the efforts of government agencies and departments but also the active participation and cooperation of the general public. Citizens have been repeatedly appealed not to use personal vehicles unnecessarily, to prioritize public transit, and to completely avoid activities that contribute to rising pollution levels. With the formal enforcement of GRAP Stage II, all pollution control measures and restrictions have been intensified across the entire Delhi NCR region. It's now the prime responsibility of all concerned departments and officials to ensure effective and cent percent compliance with these directives within their respective jurisdictions to improve air quality and provide clean air to the residents.