CAQM revises the GRAP schedule to further strengthen the measures to particularly combat the generally adverse air quality scenario in winter months in Delhi-NCR
CAQM revises the GRAP schedule to further strengthen the measures to particularly combat the generally adverse air quality scenario in winter months in Delhi-NCR
Bolstering the measures to strengthen the measures to particularly combat the generally adverse air quality scenario in winter months in Delhi-NCR, the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) [December, 2024] for the entire NCR.
GRAP is an emergency response mechanism for entire NCR, based on Average AQI levels in Delhi that brings together multiple stakeholders, implementing agencies and authorities to respond to situations of deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR. GRAP for NCR has been formulated after careful consideration of scientific data, stakeholder inputs, expert recommendations along with field experience and learnings in the past years.
The revised GRAP contains certain targeted actions earlier under Stages III & IV which have now been incorporated to Stages II & III. The key changes/ revisions in the GRAP schedule include the following:
Stage II – ‘Very Poor’ Air Quality
(DELHI AQI ranging between 301-400)
1. Carry out mechanical/ vacuum sweeping and water sprinkling of the identified roads on a daily basis. Enhance the number of shifts/ hours of deployment of such machines to further intensify mechanised sweeping.
2. Ensure daily water sprinkling along with dust suppressants, preferably before peak traffic hours, on roads and right of ways especially at hotspots, heavy traffic corridors and ensure proper disposal of the collected dust in designated sites/ landfills.
6. Schedule for regulated operations of DG sets across all sectors in the NCR
Capacity Range of DG sets
System to be adopted for control of emissions
Regulations for use
41 kW (51 kVA)
to less than
800 kW (1000 kVA)
Dual fuel mode
OR
Retro-fitted ECDs through certified agencies
No restrictions
19 kW (23 kVA)
to less than
41 kW (51 kVA)
Dual fuel mode
No restrictions
Note: DG Sets not working in a dual fuel mode, only owing to non-availability of gas infrastructure and supply, shall be permitted only for prescribed emergency services.
10. Augment public transport services through CNG/ electric buses and metro services by inducting additional fleet and increasing the frequency of service. Introduce differential rates to encourage off – peak travel.
11. Resident Welfare Associations to necessarily provide electric heaters to staff engaged in security, sanitation, horticulture and other miscellaneous services to avoid open Bio-Mass/ MSW burning during winters.
12. Do not permit inter-state buses from NCR states, other than EVs / CNG / BS-VI Diesel, to enter Delhi (excluding buses / Tempo Travellers operated with All India Tourist Permit).
Stage III – ‘Severe’ Air Quality
(DELHI AQI ranging between 401-450)
Actions
4. NCR State Govts. / GNCTD to impose strict restrictions on plying of BS III petrol and BS IV diesel LMVs (4 wheelers) in Delhi and in the districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Budh Nagar.
Note: Persons with Disabilities shall be permitted to ply BS – III Petrol / BS – IV Diesel LMVs, provided that these are specifically adopted for them and are run only for their personal use.
5. GNCTD to impose strict restrictions on plying of Delhi – registered Diesel operated Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs) to BS-IV standards or below, in Delhi, except those vehicles carrying essential commodities / providing essential services.
6. GNCTD to not permit BS-IV and below diesel operated LCVs (goods carriers), registered outside Delhi, to enter Delhi, except those carrying essential commodities/ providing essential services.
7.
(i) State Govts. in the NCR and the GNCTD to mandatorily conduct classes in schools for children up to class V in a “Hybrid” mode i.e., both in physical and online mode (wherever online mode is feasible) in the territorial jurisdiction of the NCT of Delhi and in the districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar.
(ii) The NCR State Governments may also consider conducting classes for students up to Class V in a “Hybrid” mode as above in other areas in NCR.
Note: The option to exercise the online mode of education, wherever available, shall vest with the students and their guardians.
9. Central Government may take a decision on staggering of timings of Central Government offices in Delhi – NCR.
Stage IV – ‘Severe+’ Air Quality
(DELHI AQI > 450)
Actions
4.
(i) State Govts. in the NCR and the GNCTD to mandatorily conduct classes in schools for children even for higher classes i.e. from class VI to IX and XI in a “Hybrid” mode i.e., both in physical and online mode (wherever online mode is feasible) in the territorial jurisdiction of the NCT of Delhi and in the districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar.
(ii) The NCR State Governments may also consider conducting classes for students as above in a “Hybrid” mode in other areas in NCR.
Note: The option to exercise the online mode of education, wherever available, shall vest with the students and their guardians.
The aforesaid highlighted changes indicate only the key amendments in the revised GRAP [December, 2024]. The complete details of the revised GRAP are available on the official website of the Commission i.e., https://caqm.nic.in