As NCR air quality worsens, GRAP Stage-II invoked in 14 state districts
The Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas today imposed restrictions under stage-II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the National Capital Region (NCR) keeping in view the deteriorating air quality in Delhi and a likelihood about it to be remained there in ‘very poor’ category in the coming days as well.
Authorities take action
- Harish Sharma, Regional Officer, HSPCB, Rewari, said three teams had been formed in the district to curb polluting activities
- Amit Dahiya, SDO, HSPCB, said preventative action had been taken at 20 hotspots pertaining to air emissions in Bahadurgarh
- Dinesh Kumar, RO, HSPCB, Rohtak, said departments concerned had been asked for proper execution of Stage-II of GRAP
The AQI in Delhi on Tuesday morning was recorded at 317, which falls under the “very poor” category. The implementation of the Stage-II of the GRAP is an effort to prevent further deterioration of the air quality in the NCR.
“As many as 14 districts of Haryana fall in the NCR, hence stage-II of the GRAP has come into force with immediate effect there from today. The restrictions will help in checking worsening of the air quality. However, the AQI of many districts is either ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’,” said an officer of Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB).
As per reports, Sonepat recorded an AQI of 343, Bahadurgarh (Jhajjar) 282, Gurugram 239, Faridabad 207 and Rohtak 196 on Tuesday.
The commission has asked the district authorities to carry out mechanical/ vacuum sweeping and water sprinkling of the identified roads on a daily basis besides ensuring focussed and targeted action for abatement of air pollution in all identified hotspots.
The authorities have also been asked to strictly implement the schedule of regulated operations of DG set across all sectors, including industrial, commercial, residential etc.
“Enhance vehicle parking fees to discourage private transport. Synchronise traffic movements and deploy adequate personnel at intersections or traffic congestion points for smooth flow of traffic. Augment CNG/ electric bus and metro services by inducting additional fleet and increasing the frequency of service,” states the orders issued by the Commission to the authorities.
Harish Sharma, Regional Officer (RO), HSPCB, Rewari, said three teams had been formed in the district to curb the activities causing air pollution. Amit Dahiya, SDO, HSPCB, said preventative action had been taken at around 20 hotspots pertaining to air emissions in Bahadurgarh area. Dinesh Kumar, RO, HSPCB, Rohtak, said the departments concerned had been asked for the proper execution of the restrictions under the Stage-II of GRAP in the district.
