The CAQM, in view of the forecasts for meteorological conditions and air quality index made available by Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), respectively, has taken a call on the preventive, restrictive measures under stage II of GRAP, invoked in the entire NCR on October 19 last year.
File Photo: IANS
The Sub-Committee on the anti-pollution Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for the NCR and adjoining areas on Wednesday, noting a downward trend in city’s average Air Quality Index (AQI), has decided to revoke actions under stage-II of the extant schedule across the entire NCR with immediate effect.
The CAQM, in view of the forecasts for meteorological conditions and air quality index made available by Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), respectively, has taken a call on the preventive, restrictive measures under stage II of GRAP, invoked in the entire NCR on October 19 last year.
Advertisement
The AQI levels in Delhi stood at 214, “poor” category on Wednesday as per a bulletin released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). “The AQI of Delhi has shown improvement owing to favourable meteorological conditions and has recorded 214 at 4:00 pm today, that is on 18.02.2026. Further, the forecast by IMD/IITM indicates that AQI is likely to remain in the `Poor/Moderate category in coming days,” the CAQM order read.
Advertisement
Nevertheless, the CAQM directed all the agencies and departments concerned that the actions under Stage I of the anti-pollution plan shall be intensified to prevent further deterioration of air quality.
Meanwhile, the air quality management agency’s Sub-Committee will continue to keep a close watch on the scenario and review the situation from time to time.
Notably, the enhanced vehicle parking fees will likely be rolled back, which was earlier increased to discourage private transport under the GRAP II actions.
Revocation of GRAP II actions is now likely to permit inter-state buses from NCR states restricted earlier under the measures. However, actions under GRAP I will remain for proper implementation of directions/ Rules/guidelines or dust mitigation measures in construction and demolition (C&D) activities and sound environmental management of C&D waste, and other things.
The commission has directed the agencies to ensure regular lifting of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste, and Hazardous wastes from dedicated dump sites and ensure that no waste is dumped illegally in open land areas.
Advertisement
