CAQM directs authorities implementing GRAP to give priority to identified hotspots of air pollution in NCR.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has directed concerned authorities implementing the Graded Response Action Plan – GRAP to give priority to all identified hotspots of air pollution in NCR states. The CAQM held a review meeting in New Delhi yesterday to ensure strict enforcement of GRAP in the NCR region.

Following the meeting, CAQM has asked the authorities to resolve any pending complaints from citizens till date within a week. Nodal officers for all agencies should coordinate actions in their respective agencies and concerned State Pollution Control Board to monitor the actions by different agencies.

The CAQM has also asked daily reporting of actions under GRAP Stage-III without fail. The Commission said that all actions prescribed under GRAP must be enforced strictly in true letter and spirit.

The air quality in Delhi-NCR continues to remain in the severe category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 428 recorded at 7 this morning. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI in Delhi’s Bawana station was recorded at 471, Anand Vihar at 458, Ashok Vihar at 466, Jahangirpuri at 467, Mundka at 465, Rohini at 449 and Punjabi Bagh at 448.

Besides, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that Delhi and NCR are likely to experience smog and shallow fog during the night and morning hours over the next 2 days.