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.
Delhi Launches Emergency Measures As Delhi-NCR Air Quality Deteriorates Rapidly
Taking immediate action to prevent further deterioration, the Sub-Committee has decided to invoke Stage-III of the revised GRAP – ‘Severe’ Air Quality (Delhi’s AQI ranging between 401-450) in the entire NCR. This is in addition to the preventive/restrictive actions already in force under Stage-I and Stage-II of GRAP in the region.
GRAP Stage-III Revoked Following Significant Progress
The AQI of Delhi has been progressively on the rise, which is 55 points below the threshold for invoking GRAP Stage-III actions (Delhi AQI 401-450). The forecast by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) suggests a likelihood of sustained improvement in AQI, remaining in the Very Poor/Poor category in the next few days.
Delhi Enforces Stage-III of GRAP As Air Quality Plummets
Sub-Committee has decided to re-invoke all actions under Stage-III of GRAP. This is in addition to the restrictive measures already in force under Stage-I and Stage-II of GRAP across the National Capital Region (NCR). The Sub-Committee emphasizes the importance of collective efforts to mitigate the impact of deteriorating air quality and appeals to citizens to adopt cleaner commuting options, work from home where possible, and minimize activities contributing to pollution.
