Delhi’s air quality has deteriorated sharply, falling into the “Very Poor” category with an AQI of 310. This concerning development prompted a meeting of the Sub-Committee for operationalization of Stage-II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). A press release on this development was issued on October 21, 2024.
Unfavorable Conditions Lead to Action
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).
Stage-II Measures Take Effect
Effective October 22, 2024, a stricter set of regulations will be implemented across the NCR in addition to existing Stage-I measures. These measures include:
- Daily mechanical sweeping and water sprinkling of identified roads.
- Regular application of dust suppressants on major roads and construction sites.
- Uninterrupted power supply to reduce reliance on polluting diesel generators.
- Strict enforcement of emission control standards for diesel generators.
- Measures to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion.
- Public advisories through media platforms to raise awareness about air pollution levels and preventative actions.
Citizen Cooperation Encouraged
The authorities are urging citizens to play their part in improving air quality through the following measures:
- reducing reliance on personal vehicles.
- replacing air filters at recommended intervals in your automobiles
- taking less congested route even if slightly longer.
- avoiding open burning of solid waste and biomass and dust generating construction activities during months of October to January.
Additionally, the state will be strictly implementing the following schedule for regulated operations of DG sets across all sectors in the NCR including Industrial, Commercial, Residential and offices:
| Capacity Range of DG sets | System to be adopted for control of emissions | Regulations for use |
| Power generating sets of all capacities running on LPG/ Natural Gas/ Bio-gas/Propane/Butane | None | No restrictions |
| Power generating sets up to 800 kW (1000 kVA) capacity to standards as per MoEFCC notification No. GSR 804 (E) dated 03.11.2022 | None | No restrictions. |
| DG sets to older specifications / standards | ||
| 800 kW (1000 kVA)and above | Any emission control system/mechanism, however subject to compliance of the prescribed emission standards in Direction no. 76 | No restrictions |
| 62 kW (73 kVA)to less than800 kW (1000 kVA) | Dual fuel modeorRetro-fitted ECDs through certified agencies | No restrictions |
| 19 kW (23 kVA)to less than62 kW (73 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. * |
| Portable DG sets below 19kW (23 kVA) | Presently no specific means of emission control are available in this category / capacity range of DG sets. | Not to be generally permitted.Permitted only for the prescribed emergency services. * |
Commission Monitors Situation
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) will closely monitor the situation and review air quality data regularly. The detailed revised schedule of GRAP can be accessed on the CAQM website.
Delhi’s deteriorating air quality poses a significant health risk to residents. The implementation of stricter measures and citizen cooperation are crucial to improve air quality and ensure a healthier environment for all.
