GRAP Stage II invoked in Delhi-NCR as air quality deteriorates; people urged to use public transport

PTC News Desk: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked GRAP-II in Delhi NCR as the air quality deteriorated on Monday. The GRAP-II will be implemented from 8 am on October 22 in NCR.

In its order, the CAQM said, "In an effort to prevent further deterioration of the air quality, the Sub-Committee decided that all actions as envisaged under Stage II of the GRAP-Very Poor Air Quality be implemented by all the agencies concerned in the NCR, in addition to the Stage-I actions already in force, from 8:00 A.M. of 22.10.2024 in the National Capital Region (NCR)."

According to the website AQICN, various locations in the capital have reported poor air quality. 

Anand Vihar had an AQI of 226, which is classified as "unhealthy". Mother Dairy Plant, ITO, ITI Shahdara, and other areas recorded an AQI ranging from "Unhealthy" to "Very Unhealthy."

In its decision, the CAQM advised people to use public transport and reduce the use of personal vehicles. People in Delhi-NCR have been urged to use technology and take a less congested, though slightly longer, route. 

The CAQM urged individuals to replace air filters in their automobiles at appropriate intervals. The panel advised that construction activities that generate dust be avoided from October to January.