In a bid to address rising air pollution levels in the National Capital Region (NCR), the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) launched a revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) from October 15, 2024. This comprehensive and stage-specific initiative has set off an array of actions targeting pollution sources across NCR. Under Stages I and II of GRAP, multiple agencies are actively implementing measures to mitigate the effects of air pollution, with a focus on construction, vehicular emissions, road dust, industrial operations, and waste management.
To facilitate these actions, CAQM has established a dedicated GRAP Monitoring Control Room, operational since October 15, 2024, to streamline communication between state nodal officers and CAQM. Equipped with a specialized WhatsApp group, the control room is geared to ensure coordinated efforts across NCR.
Key GRAP Actions Across Sectors
Construction & Demolition Compliance:
Inspection efforts at construction and demolition (C&D) sites have been significantly enhanced. During the period of October 15 to October 31, over 7,000 C&D sites were inspected across NCR. Enforcement actions included imposing Environmental Compensation (EC) penalties on 597 non-compliant sites and ordering the closure of 56 sites failing to adhere to pollution control norms.
Control of Road Dust:
Increased deployment of Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines (MRSMs), Water Sprinklers (WS), and Anti-Smog Guns (ASGs) has helped curb dust pollution. In Delhi alone, an average of 81 MRSMs were operational daily, while Haryana and Uttar Pradesh deployed around 36 MRSMs daily. Additionally, approximately 600 water sprinklers and ASGs were used each day across the region to mitigate dust emissions.
Vehicular Emission Control:
An intensive drive focused on vehicular emissions has led to strict enforcement. Over 54,000 vehicles were penalized for not possessing valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates, while around 3,900 overaged vehicles were impounded. Non-compliant vehicles carrying C&D waste were also fined, ensuring better control over vehicular pollution.
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Management:
Over 5,300 inspections were conducted across NCR to address illegal dumping sites, with actions taken against violators. Strict enforcement was carried out to prevent MSW burning, aligning with GRAP’s goal to reduce emissions from waste management activities.
Industrial Compliance and DG Set Usage:
Industrial pollution controls were intensified, with approximately 1,400 industries and 1,300 diesel generator (DG) sets inspected during the period. Non-compliant units faced EC fines or closures, underscoring CAQM's commitment to ensuring industrial compliance under GRAP.
As NCR enters the critical winter months, CAQM and associated agencies are prepared to escalate actions based on air quality levels. The efforts reflect a concerted push to mitigate pollution and protect public health in one of India’s most densely populated and vulnerable regions.
