New Delhi, Feb 17 (KNN) In an effort to better the overall AQI of Delhi-NCR, the Sub-Committee on Thursday has taken the call to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage II of the GRAP – ‘Very Poor’ Air Quality (DELHI AQI ranging 301-400) with immediate effect in the entire NCR.

This is in addition to the restrictive actions mentioned in Stage-I of GRAP as on Thursday at 4pm, Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) clocked 270 as per the Daily AQI Bulletin of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The Sub-Committee for operationalization of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas (CAQM) held an important meeting to take stock of the current air quality scenario of Delhi-NCR and also assess air quality forecast made available by IITM/ IMD.

Based on the dynamic model and weather/ meteorological forecast predicting the overall AQI of Delhi to reach into ‘Very Poor’ category in the coming days, it is considered necessary to re-impose Stage-II of GRAP with immediate effect in the entire NCR to avoid any further deterioration of air quality in the region.

The Sub-Committee comprehensively reviewed the air quality scenario in the region and noted that as per the AQI forecast data provided by IITM/ IMD, the air quality parameters are likely to dip from tomorrow in the region making it to move into the ‘Very Poor’ category in the coming days.

Various agencies responsible for implementing measures under GRAP and Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) of NCR and DPCC have been advised to ensure strict implementation of actions under Stage II of GRAP and intensification of actions under Stage-I of GRAP during this period.

Further, the Sub-Committee also appealed to the citizens of NCR to cooperate in implementing GRAP and follow the steps mentioned in the Citizen Charter of Stage II of GRAP.

In respect of industrial sector, due to operational and technical exigencies and to cater to situations of irregular power supply, regulated use of DG Sets shall be permitted in accordance with Directions dated February 8, 2022, issued by the Commission.

The revised schedule of GRAP is available on the Commission’s official website and can be accessed via caqm.nic.in.  (KNN Bureau)