The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated Stage-I restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR. This decision comes after pollution levels remained high, despite previous forecasts predicting improvement.
Emergency Review Follows Sudden Spike in Pollution
On May 17, the CAQM sub-committee held a special meeting to assess the air quality situation. The panel observed that strong winds carried dust particles from far-off areas into the national capital. This unexpected weather pattern caused a short-term but intense pollution event.
Experts explained that even though such dust intrusions are temporary, they can severely impact health. This event pushed pollution levels into the ‘Poor’ category again.
Delhi’s AQI Falls Sharply
On May 15, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) fell drastically. By May 16, it stood at 278, which is classified as ‘Poor’. This shift triggered concern, especially because earlier weather models had predicted improvement.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), the capital’s air quality may stay poor through May 17. They expect the AQI to remain at the lower end of the ‘Poor’ range.
Dust and Emissions Become Immediate Targets
In response, CAQM ordered strict measures to limit dust and emissions. Officials must:
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Step up dust-control efforts, especially at construction and demolition sites.
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Monitor project sites carefully to ensure compliance.
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Enforce all existing pollution control laws.
Residents, meanwhile, have been asked to:
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Limit outdoor activities, especially in the early morning and evening.
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Use public transport instead of personal vehicles.
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Avoid burning waste, such as dry leaves or garbage.
Key Stage-I Measures You Should Know
Stage-I of GRAP targets pollution at the source. It focuses on dust, vehicle emissions, and industrial smoke. Here are the key restrictions now active across the entire National Capital Region:
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Construction rules tightened: Projects over 500 sq. metres must follow a certified dust management plan.
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Open burning is banned: Residents and businesses cannot burn trash, leaves, or other waste in the open.
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Cleaner cooking fuels required: Roadside vendors, hotels, and restaurants can’t use coal or firewood. They must switch to electricity, LPG, or clean energy.
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Diesel generators restricted: Only emergency or essential services can use them.
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Polluting vehicles fined: Police can impound or penalize visibly polluting vehicles.
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Traffic cops at key signals: Drivers must turn off engines at red lights to cut idle emissions.
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Old vehicles still banned: Diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years cannot operate in Delhi.
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Firecrackers remain banned: Production, sale, and storage are prohibited across NCR until January 1, 2025.
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Industries under watch: Polluting factories and thermal power plants within 300 km of Delhi face strict checks and action.
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Report violations easily: Use the Green Delhi App, SAMEER App, or call 311 to report pollution-related issues.
CAQM May Enforce Stricter Steps Soon
CAQM will track air quality and weather patterns daily. If conditions worsen, the panel could impose Stage-II or higher GRAP restrictions.
All government departments have received orders to stay on high alert. They must follow the updated GRAP guidelines, which the CAQM issued in December 2024. These updates came after Supreme Court directions to strengthen pollution control in Delhi-NCR.
