Body on air quality revises GRAP rules in wake of Delhi-NCR pollution crisis

With no immediate respite likely from the rapidly worsening air quality and pollution situation in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has amended the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) rules.
As per the amended rules, it will be mandatory for NCR states to discontinue physical classes up to class-V under GRAP-III and up to Class XI under GRAP-IV. Earlier, the respective state governments had the power to decide on closure of physical classes.
The CAQM has also suggested that under GRAP-III, NCR states should consider implementing staggered timings for public offices and municipal bodies.
Staggered time is a work arrangement where employees start and end work at different times. They can choose to start work and end times within certain limits set by the employer.
The air quality monitoring body has also asked state governments to make wearing face masks mandatory for common citizens while they are outdoors.
The move came days after the Supreme Court directed the Delhi-NCR states to establish teams to ensure strict enforcement of GRAP Stage 4 pollution curbs, adding that these restrictions would remain in effect even if the Air Quality Index (AQI) falls below the threshold of 450.
Flagging delay in implementation of stricter measures to check air pollution in Delhi-NCR, the court asserted that it is the constitutional duty of both the Centre and the states to ensure that all citizens live in a pollution-free environment.
On Monday, Delhi’s air quality plummeted to alarming levels, with the city recording its highest average 24-hour AQI for the season at 493.
Out of the 36 air monitoring stations across the national capital, 13 reported AQI readings at the extreme levels of 499 or 500, indicating hazardous air conditions.
The air pollution situation in Delhi and adjoining cities has deteriorated to harmful levels over the last few weeks, with the AQI constantly staying above the ‘severe’ mark.
Consequently, schools have been asked to give online classes, construction activities have been banned, no trucks are allowed in Delhi except for those carrying essential items or using clean fuel (LNG/CNG/BS-VI diesel/electric). Also, non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi are also prohibited, except for EVs and CNG and BS-VI diesel ones.