The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi recorded 346 according to the daily AQI Bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas (CAQM) convened to assess the current air quality scenario in the region. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC) has issued a press release on January 1, 2024.
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.
In consideration of the disruptive impact of Stage-III GRAP restrictions on stakeholders and the public, coupled with the observed improvement in the average AQI and favorable forecasts, the Sub-Committee unanimously decided to revoke Stage-III of GRAP across the entire National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect.
However, it’s important to note that actions under Stage-I to Stage-II of GRAP will continue to be implemented, monitored, and reviewed by all concerned agencies in the entire NCR. The agencies will intensify measures under Stage-I & II of GRAP to prevent the need for reimposing Stage-III GRAP actions, particularly if the AQI level deteriorates into the ‘Severe’ category.
Furthermore, construction and demolition project sites and industrial units that have received specific closure orders due to violations or non-compliances must not resume operations without explicit permission from the Commission.
The CAQM Sub-Committee, responsible for operationalizing actions under GRAP, will closely monitor the air quality scenario and make informed decisions based on recorded data and forecasts by IMD/IITM. The revised schedule of GRAP is accessible on the Commission’s website: CAQM Website.
