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The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has ordered the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-II) in Delhi-NCR on Monday after the overall Air Quality Index dropped to the 'Very Poor' category in the region.
Delhi recorded a daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 310 i.e. 'Very Poor' category on date, as per the daily AQI Bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
"As per the dynamic model and forecasts for weather/ meteorological conditions and air quality made available by IMD/IITM, there is a likelihood of the daily average AQI of Delhi staying in the 'Very Poor' category (DELHI AQI-3O1-4OO) in the coming days owing to unfavourable meteorological and climatic conditions. Accordingly, the Sub-Committee for operationalization of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) met today to take stock of the air quality scenario of Delhi-NCR," according to a Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change release.
According to the CPCB order, the Sub-Committee decided that all actions as envisaged under Stage II of the GRAP-Very Poor Air Quality be implemented by all the agencies concerned in the NCR, in addition to the Stage-I actions already in force, from 8:00 am of October 22, 2024, in the National Capital Region (NCR) to prevent further deterioration of the air quality.
With Stage II of GRAP coming into force, an 11-point action plan is applicable with immediate effect in the entire NCR, in addition to all Stage-I actions of GRAP already in force.
The action plan advises various agencies including Pollution Control Boards of NCR States and DPCC to carry out mechanical/ vacuum sweeping and water sprinkling of the identified roads on a daily basis, ensure water sprinkling along with the use of dust suppressants (at least every alternate day, during non-peak hours) on roads to arrest road dust, especially at hotspots, heavy traffic corridors, vulnerable areas and proper disposal of dust collected in designated sites/landfills, intensify inspections for strict enforcement of dust control measures at C&D sites.
"Ensure focused and targeted action for abatement of air pollution in all identified hotspots in NCR. Intensify remedial measures for the predominant sector(s) contributing to adverse air quality in each of such hotspots. Ensure uninterrupted power supply to discourage the use of alternate power Generating sets/ equipment (DG sets etc.). Strictly implement the schedule for regulated operations of DG sets across all sectors in the NCR including Industrial, Commercial, Residential and offices etc," the Environment Ministry release read.
The CAQM has urged people to use public transport, minimize the use of personal vehicles, and regularly replace air filters at recommended intervals in their automobiles.
The Sub-Committee also urged citizens to adhere to specific steps including the use of public transport and minimized use of personal vehicles, taking less congested routes even if slightly longer, regularly replacing air filters at recommended intervals in automobiles, avoiding dust-generating construction activities from October to January and open burning of solid waste and biomass. It also urged the public to assist in the effective implementation of the GRAP measures aimed towards sustaining and improving the air quality in the region.
The AQI of Delhi since today morning has been hovering around 300 and at 4.00 pm it has been recorded at 310, as per the CAQM data.
Dr Rajesh Chawla, senior consultant at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital's critical care for respiratory diseases and sleep medicine department, informed that the air pollution levels seem to be rising faster than before, which has increased the number of patients suffering from respiratory issues by nearly 10 to 15 per cent. Chawla further said that patients with respiratory diseases are being diagnosed with acute exacerbations, due to which the hospitalisation has increased.
As the pollution increases, the doctor said, the number of attacks related to respiratory problems is also multiplying, due to which the requirement for drugs that control Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is also increasing. The poor and toxic air quality in the national capital has also resulted in an exponential increase in the rate of infections despite commoners taking precautions.
"Unfortunately, this year, you are seeing the level of air pollution rising earlier than November, and the effect is that we are seeing a 10 to 15 per cent increase in the patients suffering from respiratory diseases who are presenting with acute exacerbation. This means that many of them are getting admitted as their symptoms increase. The drugs required to control their asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other respiratory diseases are also in demand. Despite people taking precautions--closing their windows, closing their doors--the infections seem to be rising. As the pollution rises, we are seeing more patients," Dr Rajesh Chawla said. (ANI)
