The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented a revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in NCR and surrounding areas starting October 15. Various stages of GRAP (Stage I from October 15 and Stage II from October 22) saw targeted actions to control air pollution, detailed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
1. Establishment of GRAP Monitoring Control Room
- A GRAP Monitoring Control Room was set up in the Commission from October 15, headed by a CAQM Member, to coordinate targeted actions across NCR states.
- A dedicated WhatsApp group was created to facilitate quick information sharing between the Control Room and State Nodal Officers, with the Control Room operational throughout the week.
2. Construction & Demolition (C&D) Site Inspections and Actions
- Intensified inspections at C&D sites across NCR ensured compliance with air pollution control measures.
- Over 7,000 C&D sites were inspected, leading to Environmental Compensation (EC) fines on 597 non-compliant sites and closure orders on 56 sites.
3. Dust Control Measures
- Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines (MRSMs), water sprinklers, and Anti-Smog Guns (ASGs) were deployed daily to control dust pollution.
- Delhi deployed 81 MRSMs daily, while Haryana and Uttar Pradesh deployed 36 each. Approximately 600 water sprinklers and ASGs were used daily across NCR.
4. Vehicle Compliance and Enforcement
- An intensive drive was conducted to issue fines to non-compliant vehicles lacking Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates or carrying C&D waste. Over-aged vehicles were also impounded.
- Around 54,000 vehicles were fined for not possessing PUCs, and 3,900 over-aged vehicles were impounded.
5. Illegal Dumping and Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Management
- Inspections targeted illegal dumping sites and MSW burning across NCR, with more than 5,300 inspections conducted.
- Actions were taken against defaulters found burning MSW.
6. Industrial and DG Set Inspections
- Inspections of industries and Diesel Generator (DG) sets led to penalties or closure orders for non-compliance with GRAP guidelines.
- Approximately 1,400 industries and 1,300 DG sets were inspected, with enforcement measures applied to non-complying units.
Efforts will intensify in the upcoming period, with agencies adjusting actions in response to evolving air quality conditions.
