New Delhi: As winter approaches, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Wednesday invoked Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR after the capital’s air quality slipped into the ‘poor’ category.
Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI), recorded at 179 in the ‘moderate’ category on October 20, rose sharply to 244 at 2 pm on October 21, entering the ‘poor’ category, the CAQM said in a statement.
The commission added that forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) indicated that air quality was likely to remain in the ‘poor’ category over the coming days.
The curbs come ahead of the Diwali season, when pollution levels typically face additional pressure. Meanwhile, stubble burning has begun in Punjab, raising further concerns over air quality in the national capital region.
#WATCH | Punjab: An incident of stubble burning seen in an agricultural field in Tarn Taran. https://t.co/4MHSFL87xU
Earlier, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced a series of measures to tackle winter pollution under the capital’s Winter Action Plan.
From November 1 to January 31, vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet BS-VI emission standards will be barred from entering the capital. The “No PUC, No Fuel” rule, which requires vehicles to have a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate to obtain fuel, is also part of the measures.
The Winter Action Plan will remain in force from November 1 to February 28. It includes construction and demolition restrictions, AI-based monitoring of construction sites, work-from-home arrangements for 50% of staff and staggered office timings.
Delhi is acting early and firmly against winter pollution.From 1 November to 31 January, non-Delhi vehicles below BS-6 norms will not be allowed to enter Delhi. No valid PUCC, no fuel.The Winter Action Plan will remain in force from 1 November to 28 February, with construction and demolition curbs, AI-based site monitoring, 50% Work From Home and staggered office timings.Cleaner mobility through EV buses, Metro, last-mile connectivity and carpooling will support the effort.For our Right to Breathe, every action matters.Our Delhi, Our Responsibility.#ViksitDelhi
The plan also aims to promote cleaner mobility through electric buses, improved Metro connectivity, better last-mile links and carpooling.
With air quality deteriorating ahead of winter, authorities are stepping up efforts to curb pollution across the capital.