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.
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.
Why Are Coaching Centres Playing With Fire?
The Supreme Court (SC) of India has taken suo motu cognizance of fire safety norms in buildings and coaching institutes. The Court has expressed sharp criticism of coaching centers as “death chambers” highlighting the gravity of the issue.
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.
Government of Delhi introduces Scheme to Empower people with Disabilities
Delhi government has introduced the “Sugamya Sahayak Scheme,” with the objective of empowering individuals with Benchmark Disabilities (PWBDs) by improving their mobility and capabilities. Spearheaded by Delhi’s Minister of Social Welfare, this initiative is a long-awaited program of the government designed to enhance Mobility and Capability, opening doors to newfound independence and prospects for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PWBDs).
Delhi Has Updated Its Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Formats
The notification introduces the updated formats, specifically Form-I, Form-II, and Form-III. These formats are essential for the proper documentation of Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) cases, as mandated by the law.
Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission Rectifies Its Grievance Redressal Regulations
The amendment rectifies an oversight in the Title section of the Hindi version found on Page 1 of the Gazette. The correction involves replacing the year “2022” with the correct year “2023” in the title of the Hindi version.
Stage-III of GRAP Revoked In Delhi As Air Quality Improves
Taking into account the disruptive nature of restrictions under Stage-III of GRAP, impacting a large number of stakeholders and the public, and considering the significant improvement in Delhi’s average AQI, the Sub-Committee unanimously decided to revoke Stage-III of GRAP in the entire National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect.
