Delhi Air Pollution: Special Measures Implemented to Control Air Pollution in Delhi-NCR Under GRAP

Between October 15 and October 31, 2024, various government agencies have taken significant steps to reduce air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region. These actions were carried out under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which was initiated by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on October 15, 2024. The first phase of GRAP began on October 15, with the second phase being implemented from October 22. During this period, multiple preventive and remedial measures were put in place.

Establishment of GRAP Monitoring Control Room:

To facilitate coordination and monitoring across various NCR states, a GRAP Monitoring Control Room was established by CAQM on October 15, 2024. A dedicated WhatsApp group was also created for seamless communication with nodal officers, ensuring smooth information exchange.

Key Actions Taken by NCR States:

1. Inspection of Construction and Demolition Sites: The inspection of C&D sites has been intensified to ensure compliance with air pollution control measures. Over 7,000 C&D sites were inspected in NCR, resulting in environmental compensation (EC) being imposed on 597 sites, and closure orders issued for 56 sites.
2. Deployment of Dust Control Equipment: To mitigate road dust pollution, the deployment of Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines (MRSMs), water sprinklers (WS), and anti-smog guns (ASGs) has been increased. On average, 81 MRSMs operated daily in Delhi, while 36 MRSMs were deployed in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, around 600 water sprinklers and ASGs were utilized daily across NCR.
3. Compliance in the Vehicle Sector: An extensive campaign was launched to penalize vehicles lacking a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. Approximately 54,000 vehicles were fined, and around 3,900 overaged vehicles were impounded during this period.
4. Urban Waste Management: More than 5,300 inspections were conducted to check for illegal dumping sites, and actions were taken against offenders for solid waste burning during the GRAP period.
5. Regulatory Compliance in Industrial Sectors: Inspections of industries and diesel generator (DG) sets were carried out. Around 1,400 industries and 1,300 diesel generator sets were inspected, leading to actions against units that did not comply with regulations.

Efforts by the responsible agencies to improve air quality in Delhi-NCR will continue throughout the GRAP period to address the challenges related to pollution in the region.

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