MANU/PIBU/0643/2023

Department/Board : Press Information Bureau

Date : 16.02.2023

Stage II of GRAP invoked to avoid further deterioration of air quality in Delhi NCR

Today at 4PM, Delhi's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) clocked 270 as per the Daily AQI Bulletin of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The Sub-Committee for operationalization of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas (CAQM) held an important meeting today to take stock of the current air quality scenario of Delhi-NCR and also assess air quality forecast made available by IITM/ IMD. Based on the dynamic model and weather/ meteorological forecast predicting the overall AQI of Delhi to reach into 'Very Poor' category in the coming days, it is considered necessary to re-impose Stage-II of GRAP with immediate effect in the entire NCR to avoid any further deterioration of air quality in the region.

The Sub-Committee comprehensively reviewed the air quality scenario in the region and noted that as per the AQI forecast data provided by IITM/ IMD, the air quality parameters are likely to dip from tomorrow in the region making it to move into the 'Very Poor' category in the coming days. In an effort to ameliorate the overall AQI of Delhi-NCR and steer clear of further deterioration of air quality in the region, the Sub-Committee today has taken the call to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage II of the GRAP - 'Very Poor' Air Quality (DELHI AQI ranging 301-400) with immediate effect in the entire NCR. This is in addition to the restrictive actions mentioned in Stage-I of GRAP. Various agencies responsible for implementing measures under GRAP and Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) of NCR and DPCC have been advised to ensure strict implementation of actions under Stage II of GRAP and intensification of actions under Stage-I of GRAP during this period.

Further, the Sub-Committee also appealed to the citizens of NCR to cooperate in implementing GRAP and follow the steps mentioned in the Citizen Charter of Stage II of GRAP. Citizens are advised to:

• Use public transport and minimize use of personal vehicles.

• Regularly replace air filters at recommended intervals in their automobiles.

• Avoid dust generating construction activities.

Accordingly, a 12-point action plan as per Stage-II of GRAP is applicable with immediate effect from today in the entire NCR in addition to Stage-I of GRAP. This 12-point action plan includes steps to be implemented/ ensured by different agencies and Pollution Control Boards of NCR and DPCC. These steps are: