The overall AQI of Delhi has significantly improved from the level of 291 (upper-end of ‘Poor’ category) observed on 26.02.2023 to 260 (‘Poor’ category) observed on 27.02.2023 to 218 (lower-end of ‘Poor’ category) observed on 28.02.2023 to 178 (‘Moderate’ category). In view of this improvement in the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi over past few days and also considering the meteorological/ weather forecasts by IITM/ IMD, the Sub-Committee for invoking actions under Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas (CAQM) met to review the current air quality scenario. While reviewing the overall air quality parameters of Delhi-NCR and other aspects, the Sub-Committee noted that forecasts by IMD/ IITM do not indicate the overall AQI of Delhi to slip into ‘Very Poor’ category in the coming days and is likely to remain in ‘Moderate’ category. Therefore, it is felt advisable to relax the ongoing restrictions under Stage-II of GRAP and roll it back with immediate effect in the entire NCR. Based on earlier decisions of the Sub-Committee for invoking actions under GRAP, order dated October 19, 2022 for invocation of actions under Stage-II was revoked on 01.02.2023. Further, actions under Stage-II of GRAP were re-implemented on 16.02.2023 in view of the air quality forecasts by IITM/ IMD predicting the overall AQI of Delhi to deteriorate from 17.02.2023. Now, as the air quality prediction by IMD/ IITM not indicating any significant deterioration of air quality of Delhi in the coming days with highly favourable conditions for dispersion of pollutants because of good wind velocity and high ventilation index, the Sub-Committee, accordingly has decided to revoke the order, issued vide dated 16th February, 2023 for implementation of actions under Stage-II of GRAP with immediate effect in the entire NCR. All actions under Stage-I of GRAP shall however remain invoked and be implemented, monitored and reviewed by all agencies concerned in the entire NCR to ensure that the overall air quality of Delhi-NCR does not deteriorate further in the coming days. Further, the Commission appeals to the citizens of NCR to cooperate in implementing GRAP and follow steps mentioned in the Citizen Charter under GRAP. Citizens are advised to, keep engines of your vehicles viz. cars/ bikes/ scooters etc properly tuned; maintaining proper air pressure in tyres of vehicles; keeping PUC certificates of their vehicles up to date; not idle your vehicle, also turn off the engine at red lights; not dispose waste /garbage in the open spaces; report air pollution activities through 311 App, Green Delhi App, SAMEER App etc. Various agencies responsible for implementing measures under GRAP and Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) of NCR and DPCC have also been advised to ensure strict implementation of all actions of Stage-I under GRAP in the entire NCR. The Commission shall be closely watching the air quality scenario in the coming days and will review the situation accordingly. The revised schedule of GRAP is available on the Commission’s official website and can be accessed via caqm.nic.in.
