Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced on Tuesday that the Delhi Metro will add 40 extra trips daily, and the frequency of DTC buses will increase to promote public transport amid escalating air pollution levels in the national capital.
During a press conference, Rai mentioned that 1,800 additional traffic personnel will be stationed at 97 locations, and inspections at construction and demolition sites will be intensified. This announcement followed Rai’s declaration of the enforcement of GRAP-II (Graded Response Action Plan) rules across North India, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeded 300.
The GRAP action plan entails daily mechanical and vacuum sweeping, along with water sprinkling on designated roads. Rai also stated that water sprinkling would be intensified at pollution hotspots, with over 6,000 Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) employees deployed. Additionally, neighboring states will be urged not to send diesel buses to Delhi.
“We have formed a coordination committee that will visit hotspots daily, supervised by the Deputy Commissioner, to monitor the implementation of action plans in those areas,” said Gopal Rai.
Delhi experienced ‘very poor’ air quality on Tuesday, with an AQI of 385 reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) around 8 a.m.
Earlier, Rai highlighted that five new initiatives have been incorporated into GRAP-II, including the regulation of diesel generators.
“Five new initiatives have been introduced in GRAP-II. Diesel generators will be regulated. Parking costs for vehicles will be increased to discourage car use for commuting. The goal is to further reduce dust and vehicular pollution,” the Environment Minister stated.
A meeting with senior officials was convened to enhance the implementation of GRAP-II in Delhi NCR, following an order from the Commission for Air Quality Management on Monday, as the overall AQI fell into the ‘very poor’ category in the region.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change released a statement indicating, “According to forecasts from IMD/IITM, the daily average AQI in Delhi is likely to remain in the ‘very poor’ category (AQI 301-400) in the coming days due to unfavorable meteorological and climatic conditions.”
“Accordingly, the Sub-Committee for the operationalization of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and adjoining areas (CAQM) met today to assess the air quality situation in Delhi-NCR,” it added.
