As the festive season approaches, Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) are bracing for one of the most challenging air quality periods of the year. Just a week before Diwali, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to 211 on Tuesday, entering the “poor” category. With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting that pollution levels are likely to remain high in the coming days, authorities have imposed strict curbs under Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-1) to mitigate pollution and protect public health.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the statutory body tasked with overseeing air quality management in the NCR and adjoining areas, has issued directives that require immediate compliance across Delhi and its surrounding regions. The imposition of GRAP-1 is part of an annual protocol, designed to be progressively enforced depending on air quality readings.

Understanding GRAP and its Stages

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a framework developed to combat worsening air quality in Delhi and NCR, particularly during the winter months when weather conditions, combined with anthropogenic activities, contribute to severe pollution levels. GRAP categorises air quality into four stages based on AQI readings:

• Stage I – Poor: AQI between 201 and 300
• Stage II – Very Poor: AQI between 301 and 400
• Stage III – Severe: AQI between 401 and 450
• Stage IV – Severe Plus: AQI above 450

Stage I measures are triggered when the AQI falls in the “poor” range. At this stage, authorities across Delhi and NCR are required to implement a total of 27 preventive and corrective measures. These include vehicular restrictions, construction curbs, waste management improvements, and industrial regulations, among other interventions. The measures are designed not only to mitigate immediate pollution but also to build awareness and enforce long-term compliance with environmental standards.

Factors Contributing to Poor Air Quality

Several factors contribute to Delhi’s notoriously poor air quality during this time of year. Weather conditions, such as low wind speed, temperature inversion, and cooler nights, prevent the dispersion of pollutants. Additionally, human activities exacerbate the situation. Vehicle emissions remain a major contributor, particularly from older diesel and petrol vehicles. Agricultural practices in surrounding states, including the burning of paddy straw and other crop residue, introduce significant amounts of smoke and particulate matter into the air. Urban factors, such as dust from construction sites, open burning of waste, and emissions from brick kilns, further degrade air quality. The increased use of firecrackers during the Diwali festival also leads to spikes in AQI, making timely interventions essential for public safety.

Key Restrictions Under GRAP-1

Under Stage I of GRAP, the following restrictions and measures have been implemented across Delhi and the NCR to curb pollution:

1. Vehicular Measures: Diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years are prohibited from operating in the NCR. Traffic authorities have been directed to monitor key intersections and enforce engine-switch-off rules at red lights. Compliance with Pollution under Control (PUC) norms is strictly monitored, and vehicles found violating these norms may face fines or impoundment. These measures aim to reduce vehicular emissions, which are a significant contributor to airborne particulate matter.
2. Construction and Dust Control: Labour-intensive construction activities are restricted unless appropriate dust mitigation measures are in place. Construction and demolition (C&D) waste must be managed responsibly, ensuring no illegal dumping or open-air burning. Mechanised sweeping and water sprinkling are to be conducted on major roads, and dust collected from road cleaning must be disposed of scientifically at designated landfills. Additionally, anti-smog guns and other dust suppression technologies are to be used at construction and road maintenance sites.
3. Waste and Fuel Restrictions: Open burning of garbage, leaves, biomass, and municipal solid waste is strictly prohibited. Coal and wood use at roadside eateries is banned to prevent the emission of smoke and particulate matter. Industries across the NCR, including brick kilns, hot mix plants, and other manufacturing units, are required to use only approved fuels. Any violation may result in temporary or permanent closure of the facility.
4. Traffic and Public Transport Measures: Traffic police are tasked with managing vehicular flow at busy intersections and congestion-prone corridors. Public transport usage is encouraged, and offices are advised to implement unified employee commuting systems or carpooling arrangements. Non-destined truck traffic is to be diverted to the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways, in line with the Supreme Court’s directives, to reduce heavy vehicle congestion within city limits.
5. Other Preventive Measures: Hotels, restaurants, and open eateries must exclusively use electricity, gas, or other approved clean fuels. Landfill sites are to be monitored regularly to prevent incidents of burning. Dust mitigation measures are mandatory for road widening, maintenance, and other construction activities. Authorities are also expected to increase road cleaning and watering to minimize the amount of suspended dust particles.

Role of Authorities in Implementation

The CAQM has instructed all relevant agencies, including municipal corporations, pollution control boards, traffic police, and urban development authorities, to implement these measures without delay. Regular coordination between agencies ensures that construction debris is cleared promptly, waste is collected systematically, and vehicular monitoring is enforced rigorously. Timely communication of route updates and traffic advisories is also emphasized to minimize inconvenience for commuters while enforcing the curbs effectively.

Public Cooperation and Awareness

While the government and enforcement agencies play a critical role in controlling air pollution, public cooperation is equally vital. Residents are encouraged to limit the use of private vehicles, avoid burning waste, and adhere to pollution control measures. Offices are urged to facilitate remote working where possible and promote carpooling to reduce congestion and emissions. Awareness campaigns on the harmful effects of air pollution and methods to reduce individual contributions are also being carried out across schools, residential societies, and public spaces.

Significance of GRAP Ahead of Diwali

The timing of GRAP-1 implementation is particularly important as Diwali approaches. Traditionally, the festival sees a surge in the use of firecrackers, leading to spikes in particulate matter and other pollutants. Implementing preventive measures before the festival allows authorities to maintain a baseline level of air quality, reducing the severity of pollution spikes and protecting vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions.

Monitoring and Enforcement

Continuous monitoring of AQI levels across multiple locations in Delhi and NCR allows authorities to respond swiftly to changing pollution levels. If the AQI worsens to “very poor” or “severe,” additional stages of GRAP may be triggered, bringing in more stringent restrictions, including closure of certain polluting industries, halting of construction activities, and further curbs on vehicular movement. Public advisories will be updated in real time, ensuring that residents are informed about air quality and necessary precautions.

Conclusion

The imposition of GRAP-1 in Delhi and NCR ahead of Diwali underscores the pressing need to address air pollution proactively. By combining regulatory measures, infrastructure management, industrial compliance, and public awareness, authorities aim to mitigate the health risks posed by poor air quality. While these measures cannot entirely eliminate pollution, coordinated efforts between government agencies and citizens can significantly reduce the impact, ensuring that the festive season is celebrated safely and responsibly.

As Delhi continues to face seasonal pollution challenges, initiatives like GRAP serve as crucial tools to maintain urban air quality, protect public health, and foster sustainable urban living. Residents are urged to stay informed, follow guidelines, and cooperate with authorities to navigate the period safely while enjoying the festivities.