Delhi Breathes Uneasy As Air Quality Crisis Triggers Emergency Measures
Officials reviewed weather forecasts and air quality predictions, which indicate the “Very Poor” air quality is likely to persist for several days due to unfavorable meteorological conditions. Consequently, the Sub-Committee decided to invoke Stage-II of the revised GRAP for the entire National Capital Region (NCR). Effective October 22, 2024, a stricter set of regulations will be implemented across the NCR in addition to existing Stage-I measures.
Delhi-NCR Gears Up for Winter with Revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
Stage II (“Very Poor” AQI) now mandates dual-fuel mode or retrofitted emission controls for larger diesel generators (62 kW – 800 kW). Stage III (“Severe” AQI) imposes a complete ban on specific dust-generating C&D activities across the entire NCR. It also restricts specified means of transportation.
Enhanced Parking Fees For Private Vehicles In Delhi
The Commission has issued a directive to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), and Delhi Cantonment Board (DCB) to comprehensively review and revise parking charges in their respective jurisdictions. The strict implementation of these revised charges should be completed across Delhi by November 1, 2024.
Delhi-NCR Migrates Inter-city Bus Services To Cleaner Modes
Upon deliberations with all concerned stakeholders, it was decided that older polluting buses (BS-III and BS-IV) entering Delhi-NCR from neighboring states will be phased out. These buses will be replaced with cleaner options such as Electric Vehicles (EVs), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and BS-VI diesel compliant buses (latest emission standards). This directive applies to buses operated by state governments, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and private entities.
NCR Construction Sites Face Crackdown for Dust Pollution
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR has announced stricter measures to tackle dust pollution from construction and demolition (C&D) activities. CAQM has issued an order highlighting its efforts to combat dust pollution caused by such activities.
CAQM Publishes Air Quality Report for NCR Cities/Towns
The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has published the Air Quality Report for NCR Cities/Towns. This report was generated for May 15, 2024 at 4 PM. The latest Air Quality Index (AQI) readings for various cities and towns have been released indicating a diverse range of air quality conditions.
Delhi Breathes Easier On Account Of Improvement in Air Quality
April 2024 saw the highest number of “Good to Moderate” air quality days (23) in Delhi since 2018 (excluding the 2020 lockdown year). This surpasses figures from previous years: 17 (2023), 0 (2022), 18 (2021), 30 (2020), 12 (2019), and 8 (2018). Additionally, the number of days with an Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 200 (considered “Poor” to “Severe”) also significantly decreased to just 7 in April 2024.
Rationalizing Parking Charges For Private Vehicles In NCR
The CAQM has urged Urban Local Bodies to disincentivize private vehicles by way of rationalizing the parking charges. This endeavor shall be completed and implemented expeditiously, but not later than 30.08.2024 and a compliance report must be submitted to the Commission.
CAQM Updates Its Public Grievance Redressal Mechanism
The specified officers of the Commission will be accessible to the public every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (except holidays) from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. The Commission emphasizes the importance of prior appointments, especially for meetings with the Chairperson.
Stage-III of GRAP Revoked In Delhi As Air Quality Improves
Taking into account the disruptive nature of restrictions under Stage-III of GRAP, impacting a large number of stakeholders and the public, and considering the significant improvement in Delhi’s average AQI, the Sub-Committee unanimously decided to revoke Stage-III of GRAP in the entire National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect.
