GRAP-II enforced in Delhi-NCR after AQI dips above 300 | What is banned?

Restrictions under the second phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) took effect in Delhi on Monday, October 21, as multiple areas within the National Capital Region (NCR) reported Air Quality Index (AQI) levels exceeding 300, categorizing the air quality as 'very poor.' The second stage of GRAP will be officially enforced across the entire NCR starting from 8 a.m. on October 22.

For reference, an AQI between 0-50 is considered 'good,' 51-100 'satisfactory,' 101-200 'moderate,' 201-300 'poor,' 301-400 'very poor,' and 401-500 'severe.'

Delhi AQI Expected to Remain in 'Very Poor' Range

In an order issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), a revised implementation plan for GRAP was laid out. The sub-committee responsible for invoking measures under the plan met on October 21, 2024, to conduct a detailed assessment of the air quality and review forecasts from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). The forecast anticipates that Delhi's air quality will stay in the 'Very Poor' category (AQI 301-400) in the coming days, primarily due to unfavorable weather conditions, such as stagnant winds.

To curb further deterioration of air quality, the sub-committee decided that Stage-II actions for 'Very Poor' air quality will be enforced by all relevant agencies in the NCR from 8 a.m. on October 22, 2024, in addition to the Stage-I measures already in place.

Restrictions under Stage-II of GRAP

With the initiation of Stage-II of GRAP, several restrictions will come into effect, including:

• Ban on the use of diesel-powered generators in Delhi NCR.

• Synchronization of traffic flow at intersections and congestion points, with increased personnel to manage smooth traffic movement.

• Increase in parking fees to discourage the use of private vehicles.

• Expansion of public transport services, including additional CNG/electric buses and increased frequency of metro services.

• Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) must provide electric heaters to security personnel to prevent the burning of biomass and municipal solid waste (MSW) during winter.

Stage-II Guidelines for Citizens

To help reduce air pollution, citizens are encouraged to:

• Use public transportation and limit personal vehicle use.

• Utilize technology to identify less congested routes, even if they are slightly longer.

• Regularly replace air filters in vehicles.

• Avoid dust-generating construction activities between October and January.

• Refrain from open burning of solid waste and biomass.

These measures aim to prevent further degradation of air quality as the region battles increasingly poor atmospheric conditions.