New Delhi: Authorities in Delhi are set to enforce tougher pollution control measures following a sharp decline in air quality across the national capital and neighboring regions. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revised the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to prevent further deterioration.
The updated rules bring several restrictions originally meant for GRAP-IV into the current GRAP-III stage, which is in effect as Delhi recorded an AQI of 360, categorized as “very poor.” The move could see public, municipal, and private offices in Delhi and the National Capital Region operating at 50% capacity, with the remaining employees working from home. Central government offices may also adopt similar arrangements.
Other changes include the implementation of staggered timings in government offices, previously part of GRAP-III, now applied under GRAP-II for AQI levels between 301 and 400. Similarly, advisories and transport augmentation, earlier included under GRAP-II, have been shifted to GRAP-I, applicable when AQI ranges from 201 to 300.
“All agencies responsible for GRAP implementation in NCR have been directed to implement the revised schedule immediately,” the CAQM stated.
As winter approaches, authorities have already taken precautionary measures. The Delhi government ordered schools and colleges to postpone physical sports events scheduled for November and December to reduce exposure to harmful air pollutants.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), AQI classifications are: 0-50 (good), 51-100 (satisfactory), 101-200 (moderate), 201-300 (poor), 301-400 (very poor), and 401-500 (severe).
With these stricter measures, Delhi aims to curb rising pollution levels and protect residents from the harmful effects of winter smog.
