Delhi Breathes Uneasy As Air Quality Crisis Triggers Emergency Measures
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). Effective October 22, 2024, a stricter set of regulations will be implemented across the NCR in addition to existing Stage-I measures.
Delhi-NCR Gears Up for Winter with Revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
Stage II (“Very Poor” AQI) now mandates dual-fuel mode or retrofitted emission controls for larger diesel generators (62 kW – 800 kW). Stage III (“Severe” AQI) imposes a complete ban on specific dust-generating C&D activities across the entire NCR. It also restricts specified means of transportation.
Clearing The Air Under National Clean Air Program
The Minister urged all cities to update their clean action plans on a 100% saturation basis and implement Mission LiFE actions. He also called for the implementation of proposed reforms in areas such as waste management, vehicular pollution, and public awareness to provide better clean air to all.
Enhanced Parking Fees For Private Vehicles In Delhi
The Commission has issued a directive to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), and Delhi Cantonment Board (DCB) to comprehensively review and revise parking charges in their respective jurisdictions. The strict implementation of these revised charges should be completed across Delhi by November 1, 2024.
India Disputes Global Air Quality Report, Highlights Domestic Efforts
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has raised concerns over the methodology used in the World Air Quality Report 2023, which ranked Indian cities among the most polluted globally. The ministry emphasized that the report relied heavily on data from low-cost sensors, which are not officially recognized for regulatory purposes by many countries.
Draft Notifications Streamline Pollution Control Consents for Industries
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has proposed new draft notifications to simplify the consent process for certain industries. These notifications aim to reduce duplication and ease the burden on businesses. They propose to exempt certain categories of industries/activities from dual compliance of Consent to Establish (CTE)/Consent to Operate (CTO) and Environmental Clearance (EC).
Maharashtra Pollution Control Board Extends Amnesty Scheme for Industry Penal Fees
The original Amnesty Scheme waived a portion of penal fees for industries and healthcare establishments violating air and water pollution control regulations like delayed consent applications or operating without consent. This scheme was applicable for applications submitted between March 1 to May 31, 2024. Considering a positive industry response, the MPCB has extended the scheme for an additional three months, from June 1, 2024 to August 31, 2024.
Delhi-NCR Migrates Inter-city Bus Services To Cleaner Modes
Upon deliberations with all concerned stakeholders, it was decided that older polluting buses (BS-III and BS-IV) entering Delhi-NCR from neighboring states will be phased out. These buses will be replaced with cleaner options such as Electric Vehicles (EVs), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and BS-VI diesel compliant buses (latest emission standards). This directive applies to buses operated by state governments, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and private entities.
NCR Construction Sites Face Crackdown for Dust Pollution
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR has announced stricter measures to tackle dust pollution from construction and demolition (C&D) activities. CAQM has issued an order highlighting its efforts to combat dust pollution caused by such activities.
CAQM Publishes Air Quality Report for NCR Cities/Towns
The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has published the Air Quality Report for NCR Cities/Towns. This report was generated for May 15, 2024 at 4 PM. The latest Air Quality Index (AQI) readings for various cities and towns have been released indicating a diverse range of air quality conditions.
