Delhi Launches Emergency Measures As Delhi-NCR Air Quality Deteriorates Rapidly
Taking immediate action to prevent further deterioration, the Sub-Committee has decided to invoke Stage-III of the revised GRAP – ‘Severe’ Air Quality (Delhi’s AQI ranging between 401-450) in the entire NCR. This is in addition to the preventive/restrictive actions already in force under Stage-I and Stage-II of GRAP in the region.
GRAP Stage-III Revoked Following Significant Progress
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.
Goa SPCB Issues Directions On Installation of OEMS
The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has issued a circular specifying further directions for installation of On-Line Effluent Monitoring Systems (OEMS) and Emission Monitoring Systems. These installations should be certified by institutions such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA), Monitoring Certification Scheme (MCERTS) and Technical Inspection Association (TUV). This shall be in force till Indian certifications are established.
Delhi Enforces Stage-III of GRAP As Air Quality Plummets
Sub-Committee has decided to re-invoke all actions under Stage-III of GRAP. This is in addition to the restrictive measures already in force under Stage-I and Stage-II of GRAP across the National Capital Region (NCR). The Sub-Committee emphasizes the importance of collective efforts to mitigate the impact of deteriorating air quality and appeals to citizens to adopt cleaner commuting options, work from home where possible, and minimize activities contributing to pollution.
MoEFCC Introduces Environmental Protection Amendment for Brick Kilns
The introduction of zig-zag technology, vertical shafts, or the use of piped natural gas is expected to contribute to reduced air pollution and improved air quality in the specified regions. Stakeholders in the brick-making industry are urged to adhere to the stipulated timelines for conversion.
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 December 17, 2023 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.
Government Initiates Study to Assess Air Pollution’s Impact on Health
The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has sanctioned projects aimed at assessing the impact of air pollution on human health in 20 selected cities across the country under the National Environmental Health Profile Study. The study is a comprehensive evaluation of environmental factors influencing public health, including air pollution.
India-US Collaboration Towards Electrification of Public Transport & Achieving Net-Zero Emissions by 2070
The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change emphasized the critical role of decarbonizing the transport sector to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and achieve the ambitious net-zero emissions target by 2070 set by the Government of India. Speaking at a side event on the India-US “Payment Security Mechanism (PSM)” for e-buses, the Minister highlighted the significance of transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs), particularly electric buses, to achieve these environmental goals.
Commission for Air Quality Management Revokes GRAP Stage-III Actions Following Improved Air Quality
While actions under Stages I and II of GRAP will continue to be invoked, the Sub-Committee emphasized the need for strict vigilance and intensified measures to prevent the air quality from slipping into the ‘severe’ category, obviating the need for re-imposition of Stage-III actions in the NCR.
GRAP Stage-IV Revoked Amidst Improving Air Quality in NCR
Considering the current AQI level and ongoing preventive/mitigative/restrictive actions, the Sub-Committee sees a likelihood of sustaining the improvement in AQI. Hence, the Sub-Committee has decided to revoke the GRAP Stage-IV actions with immediate effect. Actions under Stages-I to Stage-III of the GRAP will, however, remain in place.
