Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has written to Chief Secretary Dharmendra, emphasizing the urgent need for strict enforcement of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to combat the deteriorating air quality in the national capital. He called for coordinated efforts across all departments to implement the Winter Action Plan-2024 effectively.
In his letter, Rai stated, “We must ensure strict implementation of GRAP guidelines, and all departments must rigorously implement the measures outlined under GRAP without exception.” He highlighted the necessity of restricting vehicular emissions, controlling construction dust, curbing industrial pollution, and executing all actions proposed during meetings for the Winter Action Plan-2024.
Rai directed all departments to submit daily reports on actions taken and progress made in implementing GRAP, noting that this data is critical for monitoring the effectiveness of measures and identifying areas requiring additional focus.
The minister also recommended involving various groups, such as market associations, residents, and citizen groups, in pollution control efforts. He urged departments to engage in spreading awareness among citizens through Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), trade and market associations, citizen groups, and NGOs regarding their role in reducing pollution, including limiting vehicle use, avoiding open burning of materials, and adopting eco-friendly practices.
Emphasizing enforcement, Rai called for intensified mechanisms and strict penalties for violators of pollution control norms, including unauthorized construction and demolition activities and open burning of waste.
As of 7 am on Friday, Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category, with an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 371, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Several areas recorded even worse air quality levels:
- Chandni Chowk: AQI 359
- IGI Airport (T3): AQI 357
- ITO: AQI 344
- Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium: AQI 342
- RK Puram: AQI 372
- Okhla Phase 2: AQI 374
- Patparganj: AQI 379
- Sonia Vihar: AQI 400
- Aya Nagar: AQI 359
Some locations fell into the ‘severe’ category:
- Anand Vihar: AQI 410
- Bawana: AQI 411
- Mundka: AQI 402
- Wazirpur: AQI 413
The Supreme Court has expressed dissatisfaction with the enforcement of GRAP Stage IV restrictions, particularly concerning the entry of trucks carrying non-essential goods into Delhi. The court has appointed 13 lawyers as commissioners to inspect entry points and verify compliance.
Additionally, the Supreme Court is set to consider on November 25 whether to ease GRAP-4 restrictions in Delhi-NCR, given the recent drop in AQI levels. The court has expressed displeasure over the poor implementation of GRAP-4 restrictions and emphasized the need for strict enforcement.
These developments underscore the critical need for coordinated and stringent measures to address Delhi’s persistent air pollution crisis.