Construction, Vehicle, and Firecracker Restrictions Rolled Out Under GRAP-1 in Delhi-NCR

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Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has fallen under the 'poor' category, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to enforce the first line of defense: Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

From restrictions on constructions and burning of waste to bans on firecrackers and older vehicles, a detailed set of measures will be in effect from now on.


Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan Imposed in Delhi

On Tuesday, Delhi’s AQI was recorded at 211, placing it in the 'poor' category. The CAQM order stated that actions under Stage 1 of the existing GRAP schedule must be implemented, monitored, and reviewed by all relevant agencies throughout the entire NCR to ensure that AQI levels do not worsen further. This restriction comes ahead of the Diwali festival.

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All implementing agencies were directed to maintain strict vigilance and intensify the existing GRAP measures, and citizens were asked to strictly comply with the citizen charter under GRAP Stage 1. The committee also said it would closely monitor the air quality and periodically review it to make appropriate decisions.

What are the Restrictions Under GRAP-1?

These are the restrictions imposed in the Delhi-NCR region to reduce the AQI:

  • Large construction and demolition projects (over 500 square meters) must have a plan to control dust before they can start work.
  • It's banned to burn waste like garbage, yard trimmings (biomass), or any municipal solid waste in the open.
  • Roadside food stalls and commercial kitchens cannot use coal or firewood for cooking.
  • Use of diesel generators is restricted; they can only be used for essential services or in emergencies.
  • Personnel will be at busy crossings to manage traffic, and drivers are instructed to turn off their engines when waiting at red lights.
  • Vehicles that are visibly polluting can be impounded or face heavy fines.
  • In Delhi, diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years are banned and cannot be driven.
  • The making, selling, and storing of firecrackers are banned across the NCR until 1 January 2025.
  • There will be strict action against polluting factories and thermal power plants within a 300 km radius of Delhi.
     
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The implementation of Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) by the CAQM is a necessary and standard response to the measured decline in the air quality across the Delhi-NCR region, as evidenced by the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding the 200 mark.