Delhi Govt implements GRAP-1 measures to combat air pollution in national capital

The Delhi Government on Tuesday announced the strict implementation of measures under the Graded Response Action Plan-1 (GRAP-1) to improve air quality in the national capital, according to a statement from the Delhi Chief Minister's Office. The announcement followed a high-level meeting chaired by Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, with Environment Minister Gopal Rai and senior officials in attendance.

According to the statement, 99 teams will inspect construction sites for dust control. The Public Welfare Department (PWD) will deploy 200 anti-smog guns, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) 30, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) 14, and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) 80. Additionally, Delhi Police will assign extra personnel to traffic-prone areas, and Home Guards will be on standby if needed.

Chief Minister Atishi also urged Delhi residents to carpool, refrain from burning crackers and waste, and report pollution incidents via the Green Delhi app.

Addressing a press conference after the review meeting, CM Atishi highlighted the improvements in air quality this year.

"If we look at AQI and pollution levels in Delhi from January 1 to October 12 this year, we've had 200 good AQI days--an improvement compared to the last few years. This better air quality has been achieved through the efforts of Delhi residents and the pollution control measures implemented by the Delhi Government," she said.

She further noted the decline in air quality over the past two days, stating, "On October 13, the AQI reached 224, and on October 14, it reached 234, placing the air quality in the 'poor' category. Due to two consecutive days of poor AQI, GRAP Stage 1 restrictions have been imposed in Delhi from yesterday evening." A key focus of the meeting was dust control at construction sites.

"Thirty-three teams have been formed by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), 33 by the Revenue Department, and 33 by the Industries Department. These 99 teams will conduct daily inspections," Atishi said.

The teams will ensure that dust control measures are adhered to at both government and private construction sites, with particular attention to the removal of construction and demolition (C&D) waste, which increases PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels and contributes to dust pollution, she added.

To further control road dust, anti-smog guns will be deployed this season. Atishi directed the PWD to deploy 200 anti-smog guns on its roads and at major pollution hotspots.

Environment Minister Gopal Rai stressed the need for a regional approach to pollution control.

He explained that GRAP rules, issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), apply not only to Delhi but to the entire National Capital Region (NCR), including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan.

"The issue of pollution from brick kilns cannot be addressed unless the Uttar Pradesh government takes action. Similarly, while we provide 24-hour electricity in Delhi, Ghaziabad and Gurgaon do not have the same, leading to generator use there, which affects us. We also suffer from the stubble burning in neighbouring states," Rai said.