Delhi-NCR Air Pollution: CAQM Strengthens GRAP Framework, Rnforces Stricter Curbs At Earlier AQI Stages
New Delhi: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has strengthened the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi-NCR, implementing multiple pollution-control measures at earlier stages to prevent additional deterioration of air quality in the region.
The updated schedule, finalized on November 21 following stakeholder consultations, shifts numerous actions from higher alert levels to lower ones—meaning restrictions will now activate sooner as the Air Quality Index (AQI) declines.
According to the new structure, several restrictions that previously fell under Stage II (‘Poor’ AQI 201-300) will now be implemented at Stage I.
Delhi’s overall AQI registered 360 in the ‘very poor’ category at 9 am on Saturday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
These include maintaining uninterrupted power supply to discourage diesel generator set usage, deploying additional personnel to manage traffic at congestion-prone locations, issuing pollution alerts through newspapers, television and radio, and expanding CNG and electric public transport fleets with increased service frequency and differential fares to encourage off-peak travel.
Actions previously listed under Stage III (‘very poor’ AQI 301-400) have been transferred to Stage II, including staggered working hours for government offices in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar. The Centre may also implement staggered timings for its offices in the region.
Likewise, restrictions formerly applicable only in Stage IV (‘severe+’) will now take effect at Stage III (‘severe’ AQI 401-450).
These include permitting public, municipal and private offices to operate with 50% staff while the remainder work from home.
The Centre may also authorize work-from-home provisions for its employees.
CAQM stated the changes were based on scientific assessments, expert recommendations and past experience. All implementing agencies across NCR have been instructed to enforce the revised schedule immediately.
[with PTI Inputs]