CAQM revokes GRAP-I in Delhi-NCR as rain improves air quality
New Delhi, May 29
The Sub-Committee on Graded Response Action Plan of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas on Friday revoked all actions under Stage-I of the schedule of GRAP across the entire National Capital Region with immediate effect, following a significant improvement in Delhi's air quality.
Delhi's daily average air quality index (AQI) improved from 207 on Thursday to 123 on Friday, while forecasts by India Meterological Department (IMD)/Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) indicate that the AQI is likely to remain in the 'Moderate' category in the coming days, a statement said.
The CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP had invoked Stage-I of the extant GRAP vide its order dated May 19 when the average AQI of Delhi started exhibiting an increasing trend, the statement added.
The Sub-Committee met on Friday to review the current air quality scenario in the region as well as forecasts for meteorological conditions and air quality made available by IMD/IITM.
While comprehensively reviewing the overall air quality parameters of Delhi-NCR, the Sub-Committee said that the AQI of Delhi had shown significant improvement owing to strong winds accompanied by light rain and was recorded at 123 at 4 p.m. on Friday.
The forecast by IMD/IITM also indicates that the AQI is likely to remain in the 'Moderate' category in the coming days.
Keeping in view the improvement in Delhi's average AQI and the forecasts by IMD/IITM, the Sub-Committee unanimously decided to revoke all actions under Stage-I of the extant schedule of GRAP across the NCR with immediate effect.
"All agencies of the concerned state governments and the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi in the NCR have been advised to ensure strict implementation of all statutory directions, advisories, orders and related instructions issued by the Commission," the statement said.
The agencies were also advised to implement rules, regulations and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and the respective state governments, Pollution Control Boards and Delhi Pollution Control Committee across all contributing sectors.
These measures are necessary to sustain the improved AQI levels and prevent air quality from slipping into the 'Poor' category, the statement added.
The Sub-Committee will continue to closely monitor the air quality scenario and review the situation from time to time for taking further appropriate decisions based on the air quality in Delhi and forecasts provided by IMD/IITM, it said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good news but let's be real - this is just a temporary fix from nature. We need long-term solutions like stopping stubble burning, controlling construction dust, and reducing vehicle emissions. Rain cannot be our savior every time.
Now that GRAP-I is revoked, I hope industries won't start polluting again like before. The improvement from 207 to 123 AQI is great but we still need stricter enforcement. Moderate air isn't good enough for our health.
Living in Noida, I can definitely feel the difference today. The air smells clean after the rain. But why does it take rain for officials to act? The sub-committee should be more proactive, not just reactive to weather patterns.
Happy that our lungs are getting some rest, but worried this is just a lull. We need political will to tackle pollution at its roots - construction dust, garbage burning, and Delhi's terrible traffic jams. Rain can't fix everything! 🌧️
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