Delhi-NCR air quality: After the AQI in Delhi slipped into the ‘severe’ category owing to calm wind and stable atmospheric conditions, the sub-committee for the operationalisation of the revised GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) at its meeting held today (December 4) reviewed the air quality scenario in the region as well as the forecasts for meteorological conditions and the air quality index of Delhi.
Delhi’s 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) stood at 407 at 4 pm.
In an effort to prevent further deterioration of air quality, the sub-committee has decided that all actions as envisaged under Stage III of GRAP pertaining to ‘severe’ air quality (AQI ranging from 401-450) be implemented in right earnest by all the agencies concerned with immediate effect in Delhi-NCR, in addition to all the actions under Stage I and Stage II of GRAP.
All implementing agencies have been advised that actions under Stage I and Stage II of GRAP are further intensified and special drives are conducted for implementation of actions under Stage III, particularly restrictions related to construction and demolition activities, stone crushers and mining and associated activities, industrial operations, brick kilns, hot mix plants using non-approved fuels etc.
The sub-Committee also observed that the air quality witnessed further deterioration over the last 24 hours as the AQI of Delhi touched 407 on Sunday, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The sub-committee for implementation of GRAP held a meeting on Sunday to review the air quality scenario in the region as well as the forecasts for meteorological conditions and the air quality index of Delhi.
It observed that the air quality witnessed further deterioration over the last 24 hours. In an effort to prevent more deterioration, the sub-committee decided that all actions as envisaged under stage III of GRAP be implemented with immediate effect in the NCR, in addition to all actions under stages I and II, it said in an order.
The pollution level in Delhi entered the ‘severe’ category after November 4, when the AQI was 447. An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered ‘poor’, 301 and 400 ‘very poor’, and 401 and 500 ‘severe’.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had directed authorities on November 14 to revoke the curbs enforced in the Delhi-NCR under stage III of GRAP, including a ban on non-essential construction activities.
(With agencies inputs)
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