The sub-committee, which was constituted by the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) for GRAP operations, has directed states to intensify dust-control measures. Dust is one of the major sources of pollution in summer.
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The sub-committee held a meeting on May 4 to review the air quality of Delhi-NCR. It directed Delhi and NCR districts in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan to intensify dust control measures, including mechanised sweeping, especially on roads with heavy traffic, enforcement of prescribed dust mitigation measures, guidelines at large construction sites and management of C&D waste.
Apart from these measures, the sub-committee has ordered states to take actions for enforcement of prescribed emission norms in industries, actions against visibly polluting vehicles, open dumping and burning of waste, burning in landfills, and quick redressal of complaints on Sameer App and other social media platforms.
Though some strict measures under GRAP are implemented in the winter season when the air quality is mostly in the “very poor” to “severe” category, some GRAP measures are enforced around the year to control air quality. During the meeting, the sub-committee observed that according to the inputs provided by India Meteorological Department, “air quality over Delhi is likely to remain in ‘poor’ category for the next few days as strong winds are likely to cause re-suspension of dust over NCR, parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and UP.” Based on the air quality and forecast of the meteorology, the sub-committee directed states to intensify measures to control air quality.
The Central Pollution Control Board’s data shows that the capital’s air quality has mostly remained in the ‘poor’ category since March-end.
