Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR Revokes Stage-II of GRAP
By CCN News | Published: Feb 19, 2024
Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR Revokes Stage-II of GRAP
By CCN News | Published: Feb 19, 2024
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Today, Delhi reported a daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 231 as per the bulletin issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). In light of the significant improvement in Delhi's air quality observed in recent days and considering meteorological forecasts from IITM/IMD, the Sub-Committee for operationalizing actions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas (CAQM) convened to review the current air quality situation.
After thorough evaluation, the Sub-Committee noted the following:
Delhi's average AQI has markedly improved over the last 4-5 days, consistently remaining below 300 since February 15th, 2024, and recorded at 231 as of 4:00 PM on February 19th, 2024. This is significantly lower than the threshold for invoking Stage-II actions of GRAP (AQI 301-400).
IMD/IITM forecasts indicate that Delhi's average AQI will remain in the 'Moderate/Poor' category, with the expectation of light rain/drizzle in the upcoming days.
Therefore, based on these favorable trends and forecasts suggesting that Delhi's air quality will not deteriorate to the 'Very Poor' category in the foreseeable future, the Sub-Committee unanimously decided to revoke Stage-II of GRAP across the entire NCR with immediate effect. However, Stage-I actions under GRAP will remain active and will be intensified, monitored, and reviewed by all relevant agencies throughout the NCR. Agencies are directed to maintain strict vigilance and reinforce measures under Stage-I to prevent the need for re-imposing Stage-II due to any potential deterioration in AQI levels.
Stage-II of GRAP had been enforced across the NCR since October 21st, 2023, based on the decision of the CAQM Sub-Committee. The Commission urges all responsible agencies and residents to strictly adhere to the provisions and guidelines of Stage-I GRAP to sustain the current improvements in air quality.
The Sub-Committee will continue to closely monitor the air quality situation and make further decisions as necessary based on real-time air quality data and forecasts provided by IMD/IITM. The updated GRAP schedule can be accessed through the Commission's official website for further information.
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