On 17-11-2024, the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and adjoining areas issued a statutory direction for implementing the revised schedule of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as and when orders under GRAP are invoked.
Key Points:
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The Sub-Committee had implemented actions under Stage I, Stage II, and Stage III of GRAP on 14-10-2024, 21-10-2024, and 14-11-2024, respectively.
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The air quality, along with the forecasts for meteorological conditions and the air quality index of Delhi, was reviewed in an urgent meeting of the Sub-Committee held on 17-11-2024.
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The AQI of Delhi was recorded at 441(Severe) on 17-11-2024 and had reached 457(Severe+) at 7:00 PM on the same day. The Sub-Committee further opined that the average AQI for Delhi is expected to remain in this range in the coming days due to unfavourable climatic conditions.
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To prevent further deterioration of the air quality, the Sub-Committee decided to direct all agencies in NCR to implement all actions under Stage IV of the GRAP from 8:00 AM on 18-11-2024 in addition to the Stage I, Stage II, and Stage III actions already in force.
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These actions include:
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Curbing entry of trucks in Delhi (except the ones carrying essential commodities/providing essential services). LNG/CNG/Electric/BS-VI Diesel trucks can be permitted to enter Delhi.
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LCVs registered outside Delhi, other than EVs/CNG/BS-VI diesel, are not permitted to enter Delhi (except the ones carrying essential commodities/providing essential services).
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Enforcement of strict ban on plying registered BS-IV and below diesel-operated Medium Goods Vehicle and Heavy Goods Vehicle in Delhi (except the ones carrying essential commodities/providing essential services).
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Banning C&D activities for linear public projects such as highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission, pipelines, telecommunication, etc.
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NCR State Government and GNCTD may decide to discontinue physical classes, even for grades 6-9 and 11, by conducting online lessons.
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NCR State Government/GNCTD to decide to allow public, municipal, and private offices to work on 50% strength and the rest to work from home.
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The Central Government may take appropriate decisions on permitting work from home for employees in central government offices.
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State Government may also consider additional emergency measures such as the closure of colleges/educational institutions and non-commercial activities and permitting the running of vehicles on an odd-even basis.
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Children, the elderly, and those with respiratory, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, or other chronic diseases were urged to avoid outdoor activities and stay indoors.