CAQM advises strict measures to address worsening quality of air in NCR

Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) hold an emergency meeting to address the deteriorating air quality in National Capital Region. Under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP),Sub-Committee for invoking actions and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) participated in this meeting. While comprehensively reviewing the overall air quality parameters during the meeting, the commission noted due to unfavourable meteorological conditions with sudden spike in the farm fire incidents and slower wind speed, it is required to implement Stage III of GRAP in NCR.

In this meeting various agencies responsible for implementing measures under Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) of NCR, DPCC and GRAP have been advised for ensuring strict implementation of actions of Stage III. Meanwhile, the CAQM has appealed all to cooperate in the implementation of GRAP and follow the steps suggested in the Citizen Charter under GRAP. It has advised the citizens to use public transport or share a ride to work, etc. In addition it has recommended the people to work from home if their positions allow and not to use wood and coal for the purpose of heating.

A nine point action plan was also made and announced applicable with immediate effect. It includes vacuum-based sweeping of roads, daily water sprinkling, apart from using dust suppressants before peak traffic hours, enforcing strict ban on construction as well as demolition activities in NCR except the projects of Railway stations, Metro Rail Services, Airports and Inter State Bus Terminals, Grinding activities, Waterproofing works, Piling work, Repair works, etc. CAQM has also recommended to regulate operations of the industries not using the approved fuels for NCR. It has asked these industries to operate only 5 days a week.