Black smoke engulfs Delhi-NCR air quality dips ‘Very Poor’ category

New Delhi: In view of deteriorating air quaity in Delhi, the government has invoked 11-point action plan as per Stage-II of GRAP in the entire National Capital Region (NCR).

Accoding to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) the air quality is likely to dip and enter ‘Very Poor’ category (AQI- 3O1-4OO) on 23 Oct and 24 Oct owing to unfavorable meteorological and climatic condition.

The Sub-Committee for operationalization of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) met on Saturday and decided to implemented the action plan in “right earnest” by all the agencies concerned in NCR.

The Sub-Committee also urges citizens to adhere to the Citizen Charter under GRAP and assist in effective implementation of the GRAP measures aimed towards sustaining and improving the air quality in the region.

Under the GRAP Stage-II entails increasing parking fees to discourage use of private vehicles and increasing the number of CNG and electric buses and metro trains.

People to use public transport and minimize the use of personal vehicles.

Use technology, and take less congested routes even if slightly longer.

Regularly replace air filters at recommended intervals in your automobiles.

Avoid dust-generating construction activities during the months of October to January.

Avoid open burning of solid waste and biomass.

The Stage 1 measures are already under place. This entails suspension of private construction work and demolition projects measuring more than 500 square meters.

As per the India Meteorological Department average Air Quality Index (AQI) on Sunday Moning clocked 319 (Very Poor) catagory.

Meanwhile, the city saw a slight drop in the minimum temperature with the weather department expecting a drizzle at night at
one or two places on Sunday.