Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Friday wrote to the Chief Secretary, urging him to personally oversee Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) enforcement and coordinate execution with all departments to sustain air quality improvements in the national Capital.

Rai said, “The collective efforts of all departments are crucial to safeguarding the health and well being of Delhi’s citizens. l urge you to personally oversee the coordination and execution of these measures. Let us ensure that the recent improvements in air quality are sustained and further enhanced.”

He stated that as you are aware that the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi recently reached alarming levels, crossing 450(severe plus), posing severe heath ricks to the residents of Delhi. “While the AQI has shown some improvement in last few days, we must not allow our efforts to slow down or weaken. The situation continues to demand urgent and sustained action from all concerned departments,” the minister stated.

Further, he wrote, “In this regard, I feel that we have to ensure strict implementation of GRAP Guidelines and all departments must rigorously implement the measures outlined under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) without exception.”

“This includes restricting vehicular emissions, controlling construction dust, and curbing industrial pollution and all other actions as proposed and directed during various meetings taken in order to implement Winter Action Plan-2024,” he said, adding that at the departments must submit daily reports on their actions and progress in implementing GRAP guidelines.

He added that this data will be critical for monitoring the effectiveness of measures and identifying areas requiring additional focus. “The enforcement mechanisms being followed by various departments must be further intensified. Strict penalties should be imposed an violators of pollution control norms, including unauthorized construction and demolition activities, open burning of waste, burning of Parali and other activities contributing to air pollution,” Rai stated.

“At the departments of Delhi Government be directed to actively engage in spreading awareness among citizens through FWAs, Trade and Market Associations, Citizens Group and NGOs etc regarding their role in reducing pollution, such as limiting vehicle use, avoiding open burning of materials, and adopting eco-friendly practices,” he added.