ENA State 2024-10-15 17:00:47 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Oct 15 (KNN)</strong> The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas has issued a directive for the immediate implementation of Stage-I actions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) due to deteriorating air quality.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Following a meeting on October 14, 2024, the Sub-Committee on GRAP reviewed recent air quality data and meteorological forecasts, which indicated that Delhis Air Quality Index (AQI) had shifted to the Poor category, with conditions expected to persist.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">As a result, from 8:00 a.m. on October 15, 2024, all agencies within NCR are required to activate Stage-I measures.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Stage-I actions under GRAP focus on reducing dust and vehicular emissions and include strict compliance with dust mitigation guidelines in construction and demolition activities, intensified mechanised road sweeping and water sprinkling, prohibition on open burning, and enhanced traffic management to alleviate congestion.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Additional measures include enforcing emissions norms for industries and thermal power plants, maintaining prompt waste management practices, and ensuring that only approved fuels are used in industrial activities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Agencies are also instructed to monitor the disposal of construction and municipal solid waste and enforce penalties for non-compliance.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">To aid public participation, CAQM has urged citizens to follow the prescribed guidelines, such as maintaining vehicle emissions, avoiding littering, and reporting air pollution incidents through designated apps.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The commission also highlighted that offices are encouraged to promote unified commutes for employees, aiming to reduce road traffic.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">This coordinated response underscores CAQMs commitment to mitigating air pollution and protecting public health across the NCR.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><em><strong>(KNN Bureau)</strong></em></span></p> 39601 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/state/stage-i-of-grap-for-air-quality-kick-offs-in-ncr 2024-10-15 17:00:47 knnindia.co.in