The Commission for Air Quality Management (“CAQM”) in Delhi-NCR and adjoining areas by way an order has implemented all actions under Stage – I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) – ‘Poor’ Air Quality (Delhi AQI ranging between 201-300”) for all concerned persons from 8:00am of 15^th October, 2024 in the NCR. Please find below the actions to be undertaken under this Stage – I.

Background:

The CAQM reviewed the air quality and the forecasts for meteorological conditions in Delhi-NCR and adjoining areas and the Air Quality Index (AQI) as given by IMD/IITM on 14^th October, 2024. CAQM observed that there was a sudden dip in the air quality parameters in the region due to which the AQI in Delhi has shifted to “Poor” category and the forecasts predict the air quality to remain in “Poor” category for the next days due to unfavourable meteorological condition.

Actions to be taken under Stage – I:

1. Properly implement Directions/Rules/Guidelines on dust mitigation measures in construction and demolition (C&D) activities and sound environmental management of C&D waste.
2. Strictly comply with Direction Nos. 11-18 dated 11^th June, 2021.and do not permit C&D activities for these projects with plot size equal to or more than 500sqm which are not registered on the web portal of the respective state/GNCTD and/or which do not fulfil the other requirements as given in these directions for remote monitoring of dust mitigation measures.
3. Scientifically dispose off the dust collected the designated sites/landfills.
4. Properly store/contain C&D materials and waste and duly cover it in the premises.
5. Transport C&D materials and waste only through covered vehicles.
6. Strictly enforce statutory directions and yardsticks for use of anti-smog guns at C&D sites in proportion to the total area of construction for the project.
7. Intensify use of anti-smog guns, water sprinkling and dust suppression measures in road construction/widening/repair projects and maintenance activities.
8. Prohibit open burning of biomass and municipal solid waste. Non-compliance/violation with this will attract imposition of maximum environmental compensation according to NGT’s orders dated 4^th December, 2014 and 28^th April, 2015 in OA 21/2014.
9. Ensure that there is no burning incidents in the landfill sites/dumpsites.
10. Strictly enforce PUC norms for vehicles.
11. Strictly enforce all pollution control regulations in the industries, brick kilns and hot mix plants, etc. and strictly comply with the prescribed standards of emissions.
12. Use only approved fuels in NCR in all industries including in brick kilns and hot mix plants. Industries and plants will be closed in case of violation.
13. Enforce emission norms in thermal power plants.
14. There will be strict enforcement of Hon’ble Courts/Tribunal orders with respect to ban on fire crackers.
15. Regularly lift and dispose off industrial waste from industrial and non-developed areas.
16. Do not use diesel generator sets as a regular source of power supply.
17. Strictly enforce extant ban on coal/firewood as fuel in tandoors in hotels, restaurants and open eateries.
18. Use only electricity/gas based/clean fuel based appliances in hotels, restaurants and open eateries.
19. Ensure quick actions for redressal of complaints on 311 APP, Green Delhi App, SAMEER App and other such social media platforms to curb polluting activities.
20. Start unified commute for employees to reduce traffic on road.

A copy of the press release is linked below for ease of reference.

Source: Commission for Air Quality Management

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