Delhi govt directs strict implementation of GRAP II measures

The Delhi government will ensure strict enforcement of pollution control measures under the Graded Response Action Plan Stage 2 to combat deteriorating air quality in the city Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Thursday reported news agency PTIThe Air Quality Index AQI in Delhi on Thursday morning was in the severe category with a reading of 428 at 9 am The AQI on Wednesday was reported as the worst in the country plunging into the severe category for the first time this season reported PTIDuring a press briefing Rai attributed the worsening conditions to a combination of calm winds and a drop in temperature He also said that GRAP III would not be imposed yet as the situation is expected to improve from tomorrowCiting studies Rai said contributions from surrounding areas play a significant role in Delhis pollution levels with 30 per cent of the pollution originating from local sources and 34 per cent coming from the national capital regionRai assured that the Delhi government will strictly implement measures under GRAP 2 to prevent the air quality from deteriorating furtherWe will strengthen all ongoing campaigns and actions to mitigate pollution Rai statedHe also mentioned that the government would review all current action plans and campaigns and enhance enforcement efforts to prevent pollution levels from reaching emergency thresholdsAddressing a press conference Gopal Rai said Yesterday a meeting was conducted by the Commission for Air Quality Management CAQM on GRAP 3 and after analysing situations it was decided that the Graded Response Action PlanIII GRAPIII will not implemented in Delhi All the schemes of the different departments will be continued according to the GRAPII We have again issued instructions to all departments to effectively and strictly follow the provisions given as per GRAPII so that we would not be in a situation to reach GRAPIII The government is effectively monitoring the situation We are trying that pollution does not reach into the severe category by effectively issuing the rules of GRAPII But if the weather changes and AQI increases then the government will take strict actions to curb pollution and save the peopleAccording to the India Meteorological Department increased wind activity may help lower pollutant concentrations with AQI expected to improve to the very poor categoryThe AQI turned severe for the first time this season on Wednesday with the Commission for Air Quality Management describing the situation as an episodic event of unprecedented extremely dense fogDelhi has been continuously battling with air pollution for the last 14 days postDiwaliWith inputs from PTI and ANI