The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas has revoked all actions under Stage One of the Graded Response Action Plan across the entire National Capital Region following a significant improvement in Delhi’s air quality.
The decision was taken by the Sub Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan of the Commission for Air Quality Management after reviewing the latest air quality data and meteorological forecasts.
According to the Air Quality Index bulletin issued by the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi’s daily average Air Quality Index improved sharply from 175 recorded on March 15 to 119 on March 16. The improvement moved the city’s air quality from the Poor category to the Moderate category.
The Sub Committee convened on March 16 to assess the prevailing air quality situation in the National Capital Region along with the forecast of meteorological conditions and air quality trends provided by the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology.
During the meeting, the panel observed that the Air Quality Index of Delhi had shown consistent improvement and was recorded at 119 at 4 PM on March 16.
Forecast assessments from the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology indicate that the air quality is expected to remain within the Moderate category over the coming days due to favourable meteorological conditions.
In view of this improvement and the positive outlook in the air quality forecast, the Sub Committee unanimously decided to revoke all measures under Stage One of the Graded Response Action Plan with immediate effect across the entire National Capital Region.
The Graded Response Action Plan is a set of emergency measures implemented in stages to address rising air pollution levels in Delhi and surrounding areas. Stage One actions are activated when air quality deteriorates and typically involve enhanced monitoring and preventive measures aimed at reducing pollution sources.
Although Stage One restrictions have now been withdrawn, the Commission for Air Quality Management has directed all agencies of the concerned state governments and the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi to continue strict enforcement of existing statutory regulations aimed at controlling pollution.
Authorities have been instructed to ensure effective implementation of rules, advisories and directions issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management, the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change and the Central Pollution Control Board.
State governments, pollution control boards and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee have also been asked to enforce existing pollution control measures across all contributing sectors including industry, construction activities, transport and waste management.
In addition, all agencies have been advised to take note of the actions and timelines outlined in the comprehensive policy framework issued by the Commission to curb air pollution in the National Capital Region.
Special emphasis has been placed on strengthening dust mitigation measures in the field, as dust from construction activities and road surfaces remains a significant contributor to pollution levels in the region.
Officials said the Sub Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan will continue to closely monitor the air quality situation in Delhi and surrounding areas.
The Commission will periodically review the scenario based on updated Air Quality Index data and forecasts provided by the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology. Further decisions regarding pollution control measures will be taken depending on changes in air quality levels in the coming days.
