Delhi restricts diesel generators, construction as air quality dips to 'very poor'

Authorities will implement Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR from October 22, as air quality worsens, triggering bans on diesel generators and construction activities.

In Short

• Restrictions in Delhi will be imposed from 8 am tomorrow
• Key actions include daily road cleaning, dust control measures
• People advised to use public transport like metro and buses

In view of the alarming air quality levels in the National Capital Region (NCR), authorities have decided to implement Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), starting at 8.00 am on October 22 (Tuesday).

GRAP is a set of emergency protocols designed to combat air pollution when it reaches hazardous levels. Stage II of GRAP is triggered when the Air Quality Index (AQI) falls into the 'Very Poor' category, which ranges between 301-400.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said it will invoke restrictions, including a ban on diesel generators and construction work in the capital city.

"In an effort to prevent further deterioration of the air quality, the Sub-Committee decided that all actions as envisaged under Stage II of the GRAP-Very Poor Air Quality be implemented by all the agencies concerned in the NCR, in addition to the Stage-I actions already in force, from 8:00 A.M. of 22.10.2024 in the National Capital Region (NCR)," a statement released by CAQM read.

Key actions under GRAP II include daily mechanical or vacuum sweeping and water sprinkling on identified roads, particularly in high-traffic areas and hotspots. Dust suppressants will be used at least every alternate day during non-peak hours, and collected dust will be properly disposed of at designated sites.

Inspections at construction and demolition sites will be intensified to enforce strict dust control measures. Additionally, specific actions will focus on pollution hotspots across the city.

To limit the use of diesel generators, an uninterrupted power supply will be maintained, and a regulated schedule for generator operation will be enforced.

To tackle rising congestion and pollution, authorities will deploy additional traffic personnel at busy junctions and raise vehicle parking fees to discourage the use of private transport. Additional bus and metro services will be started in the city.

People have also been advised to use public transportation, regularly replace their automobile air filters, and limit dust-generating construction activities until January.

A thick layer of smog blanketed various areas of Delhi, marking the first time this season that the air quality index has fallen into the "Very Poor" category.

As of 6:14 pm, Delhi AQI registered a concerning 312. Meanwhile, the neighbouring cities of Ghaziabad and Noida reported slightly better conditions, with their AQI levels categorised as "Poor".

For context, the AQI scale classifies air quality as follows:

• 0 to 50 is deemed "Good"
• 51 to 100 is "Satisfactory"
• 101 to 200 is "Moderate"
• 201 to 300 is "Poor"
• 301 to 400 is "Very Poor"
• 401 to 500 is "Severe"