The Commission for Air Quality Management (“CAQM”) in Delhi-NCR and adjoining areas by way of press release has revised the Graded Response Action Plan (“GRAP”) schedule to strengthen measures to combat sudden/ anticipated deterioration of air quality in Delhi-NCR during the upcoming winter season.
The revised GRAP schedule will come into force in the entire NCR region and different stages will be imposed by way of special orders as per the air quality conditions of the region.
Key Highlights:
A. The key changes/ revisions in the GRAP schedule for Stage II include the following:
| Stage II – ‘Very Poor’ Air Quality (DELHI AQI ranging between 301-400) | ||
| Schedule for regulated operations of DG sets across all sectors in the NCR | ||
| Capacity Range of DG sets | System to be adopted for control of emissions | Regulations for use |
| 62 kW (73 kVA) to less than 800 kW (1000 kVA) | Dual fuel mode OR Retro-fitted ECDs through certified agencies | No restrictions |
| 19 kW (23 kVA) to less than 62 kW (73 kVA) | Dual fuel mode | No restrictions
Note: DG Sets not working in a dual fuel mode, only owing to non-availability of gas infrastructure and supply, shall be permitted only for prescribed emergency services. |
B. For Stage III- ‘Severe’ Air Quality (Delhi AQI ranging between 401-450),
1. Actions to be taken with regard to Construction and Demolition (“C&D”) activities:
a) Strict ban will be imposed on the following categories of dust generating/ air pollution causing C&D activities in the entire NCR:
i. Earthwork for excavation and filling including boring & drilling works
ii. Piling works
iii. Laying of sewer line, water line, drainage and electric cabling etc. by open trench system
iv. Brick / masonry works
v. Operation of RMC batching plant
vi. Painting, polishing and varnishing works etc.
vii. Major welding and gas-cutting operations. Minor welding activities for MEP works (Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing) to be, however, permitted.
viii. Cement, Plaster / other coatings, except for minor indoor repairs/maintenance. · Cutting / grinding and fixing of tiles, stones and other flooring materials, except for minor indoor repairs/maintenance.
ix. Water Proofing work (Excluding Chemical water proofing)
x. Road construction activities and major repairs.
xi. Transfer, loading / unloading of dust generating materials like cement, fly-ash, bricks, sand, murram, pebbles, crushed stone etc. anywhere within / outside the project sites.
xii. Movement of vehicles carrying construction materials on unpaved roads.
xiii. Any transportation of demolition waste.
b) All construction related activities, other than those listed above which causes relatively less polluting / less dust generating may be permitted to be continued in the NCR, subject to strict compliance of the C&D Waste Management Rules, dust prevention/ control norms including compliance with the directions of CAQM issued from time to time.
c) All construction and development activities may be be continued to be permitted, subject to strict compliance of the C&D Waste Management Rules, dust prevention/ control norms including compliance with the directions of CAQM issued from time to time only for the following categories of projects:
i. Projects for Railway services and stations
ii. Projects for Metro Rail Services and stations
iii. Airports and Inter State Bus Terminals
iv. National security/ defence related activities/ projects of national importance
v. Hospitals/ health care facilities
vi. Linear public projects such as highways, roads, flyovers, over bridges, power transmission/ distribution, pipelines, tele-communication services (Only for non-open trench works) etc.
vii. Sanitation projects like sewage treatment plants and water supply projects etc.
viii. Ancillary activities, specific to and supplementing the above project categories.
2. Strict restrictions to be imposed on plying of Delhi-registered Diesel operated Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs) to BS-III standards or below, in Delhi, except those carrying essential commodities / providing essential services.
3. BS-III and below diesel operated LCVs (goods carriers) registered outside Delhi, not to be permitted to enter Delhi, except those carrying essential commodities / providing essential services.
4. Inter-State buses from NCR states other than EVs/CNG/BS-VI diesel not to be permitted to enter Delhi (excluding buses /Tempo travelers operated with All India Tourist Permit).
A copy of the press release is attached herewith for ease of reference.
Source: Commission for Air Quality Management
