The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has intensified its focus on tackling Delhi’s worsening air pollution, conducting a comprehensive review of the implementation of measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Amid the capital’s rising pollution levels, the commission convened its 19th meeting on November 27 to deliberate on the effectiveness of ongoing actions and enforce stricter measures where needed.
The meeting addressed various pressing issues, including the revised GRAP directives for schools and institutions and the progress of actions taken by agencies since the last meeting in July this year. A key point of discussion was the implementation of stricter environmental compensation charges for stubble burning, alongside the monitoring of paddy residue burning in neighboring states. Enforcement actions in other critical sectors such as industries and construction projects were also reviewed to ensure compliance with GRAP protocols.
As air quality in the city remains hazardous, the Delhi administration has been directed to deploy truck-mounted water sprinklers to combat dust pollution. Additionally, public construction activities have been halted, and the entry of trucks into the city has been prohibited until further notice. These steps are part of Stage IV of GRAP, which has been activated to address the escalating pollution crisis.
The Supreme Court has also intervened, expressing dissatisfaction with the enforcement of Stage IV measures. It criticized the Delhi government and police for their failure to fully comply with GRAP clauses, despite clear directives from both the apex court and the CAQM. To ensure compliance, the court has ordered the immediate establishment of checkpoints at all 113 entry points to Delhi, appointing 13 court commissioners to monitor truck entries and verify adherence to the restrictions.
(Inputs from ANI)