GRAP reviews the air quality scenario ,directs concerned Pollution Control Boards (PCBs)/ Committee of NCR and the stakeholders
- Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) clocked 243 (‘Poor’ category) as per the Daily AQI Bulletin from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Highlights:
- It was informed that the wind direction and speeds are rapidly changing
- due to high conviction rates and absolute dry conditions
- coupled with high temperatures leading to continued suspension of dust over the National Capital Region (NCR).
- Higher instances of agricultural residue burning around NCR areas and also the forest fires in the nearby states could have an impact on the overall air quality of Delhi-NCR.
- The Sub-Committee for GRAP, after comprehensively reviewing the air quality scenario directed to take following urgent steps:
- Conduct intensive drives at major pollution hotspots
- Augment the number/ frequency of water sprinklers
- Keep a close watch on fire instances and open burning of Municipal Solid Waste
- Keep a strong vigil on all road construction/ maintenance projects
- Flying Squads of CPCB to also intensify inspections for appropriate action against sites/ projects flouting the statutory directions of the Commission.
- With collaborative and concerted efforts of all concerned agencies, the overall AQI of Delhi can be improved in the coming days.
Prelims Takeaway:
- CPCB
- GRAP