New Delhi, October 15
Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Wednesday said that GRAP-1 has been implemented, with restrictions aimed at ensuring clean air for residents over the next few days in the national capital, as advised by the weather department.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in Delhi-NCR has imposed Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The action follows the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the region, dropping to 211, categorising it as 'poor', according to a statement released by the Commission.
Speaking to reporters, Sirsa said, "Under GRAP-1, some restrictions have been imposed, the purpose of which is that the people of Delhi get clean air."
On the implementation of GRAP-1, Minister Kapil Mishra added, "This is a process, but I feel that too many rules are imposed on Delhi. Rules should be applied to all states. There are many rules due to which project costs increase, so I think they should be logically reconsidered."
Speaking about Chhath Puja, Mishra added, "We are preparing for a grand Chhath Puja. Until last year, there was a ban on Chhath Puja in the Yamuna. When we sought information, there was no such court order. The Kejriwal government lied to the people of Purvanchal. This time, a grand Chhath Puja will be organised on the banks of the Yamuna. Arrangements for Chhath Puja are being made at 1,300 ghats. The Chief Minister herself is monitoring it. We are building modern Chhath ghats everywhere."
On Tuesday, CAQM also considered the predictions of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), which forecast poor air quality in the coming days.
This Stage I of GRAP is activated when the AQI ranges between 201 and 300. Under this stage, 27 preventive actions are to be strictly implemented by all relevant agencies across NCR. These include the use of anti-smog guns, water sprinkling, dust suppression measures in road construction, repair projects and maintenance activities.
"The Sub-Committee on, in its meeting held today, reviewed the air quality scenario in the region, IMD/IITM forecast and observed as under: The AQI of Delhi has been recorded 211 on 14.10.2025 ('Poor' Category). Furthermore, the forecast by IMD/IIT M has also predicted AQI to remain in the 'Poor' category in the coming days," CAQM said in its order.
"The Sub-Committee, accordingly, decides to invoke all actions under Stage-I ('Poor' Air Quality of the extant GRAP in the entire NCR, with immediate effect," it added.
These measures are part of the comprehensive GRAP schedule issued by CAQM on December 13, 2024, following directions from the Supreme Court.
- ANI
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