GRAP Sub-Committee Decision and Its Impact on Delhi’s Air Quality

Introduction: In recent weeks, the CAQM Sub-Committee of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has taken decisive steps under the General Response Action Plan (GRAP), specifically Stage-I in the NCR and Adjoining Areas. As reported, Delhi’s daily AQI is categorized as ‘Poor,’ with an average of 217. This is a significant milestone marking the beginning of targeted air quality measures across the NCR and its adjacent areas.

Background: The General Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a crucial framework for addressing air pollution challenges in urban environments like Delhi-NCR. Stage-I, which includes actions targeting PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, CO, and particulate matter, aims to mitigate the air quality impact on public health and economic activities. The Sub-Committee’s decision under GRAP is a testament to collective responsibility among all stakeholders in the region.

Sub-Committee Decision: The CAQM Sub-Committee has taken a 27-point action plan as per Stage-I of GRAP, immediately applicable across the NCR and adjoining areas. This decision underscores the commitment of agencies involved in air pollution control to take immediate and effective actions. The plan includes measures such as implementing Pollution Control Boards (PCBs), ensuring strict enforcement, dust mitigation efforts, and road and open area management.

Implementation by Agencies: All relevant agencies—from NCR States’ PCBs and DPCC—are expected to strictly adhere to the outlined steps. Compliance is crucial to ensure timely execution of these actions, which will significantly influence air quality trends in Delhi-NCR. The decision also highlights a commitment from all stakeholders involved in the region.

Citizen Charter Requirement: The citizens of NCR are expected to act decisively in following through on GRAP’s implementation. This includes contributing to dust mitigation measures for C&D activities and open areas, which are central to air quality dynamics.

Commission’s Role: Comrade CAQM is actively involved in monitoring air quality and setting guidelines for air pollution reduction. The Commission will continuously monitor scenarios, ensuring decisions are timely and effective based on current conditions and forecasts.

Conclusion: The implementation of the 27-point action plan under GRAP represents a significant step toward addressing air pollution challenges. Citizens are encouraged to take proactive actions as outlined in the Citizen Charter. The CAQM Sub-Committee’s decision is a positive move, setting a precedent for coordinated efforts across the region. This initiative not only improves AQI levels but also aligns with broader environmental and public health goals, emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility in air quality management.