The Air Quality Index (AQI) in certain parts of Delhi dipped to severe, a day after GRAP-1 rules kicked in with the national Capital’s AQI falling under ‘poor’ category on Monday. The Anand Vihar pollution control monitoring centre recorded an AQI of 461 at 12:30 pm on Tuesday, data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed.
Amid the air becoming increasingly hazardous, Chief Minister Atishi announced that 99 teams will inspect private and government construction sites in Delhi to ensure compliance with dust mitigation measures. The average AQI for Delhi stands at 198 in the ‘moderate’ category at 4 pm, according to the CPCB.
With GRAP Stage 1 implemented along with other related measures in the national Capital, the Delhi government convened a high-level meeting to review the implementation of the first stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The meeting was chaired by Atishi and included representatives from various departments such as the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Public Works Department (PWD), Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and the revenue department among others.
Regulations in this stage include rigorous inspections of polluting vehicles and improved traffic management has been kicked in. Stringent emission controls are applied to industries, power plants, and brick kilns. The plan also prohibits the open burning of waste, restricts the use of diesel generators, and bans coal or firewood use in restaurants.
Speaking after the meeting, CM Atishi emphasised the urgency of addressing pollution with the air quality falling into the “poor” category over the past two days. The teams will report their findings daily to the ‘Green War Room’, which monitors air quality control measures across the city.
Meanwhile, Delhi traffic police have also been directed to identify traffic congestion hotspots and deploy extra personnel as needed. “If additional support is required, home guards will be made available to manage traffic flow and prevent vehicle emissions from adding to the pollution,” she stated.
Atishi appealed to Delhiites to carpool, avoid burning crackers and garbage, and report pollution incidents on Green Delhi app.
