Delhi air quality to be 'very poor' by Saturday; ban on coal, firewood in place

Commission for Air Quality Management Wednesday directed authorities to enact stage two of GRAP, which includes banning the use of coal and firewood in hotels, restaurants and open eateries.

With "very poor" air quality predicted in Delhi-NCR by Saturday, the Commission for Air Quality Management Wednesday directed authorities to enact stage two of GRAP, which includes banning the use of coal and firewood in hotels, restaurants and open eateries.

The Forecast for deterioration of air quality over Delhi and the air quality index (AQI) may move into the 'very poor' category from October 22. (ANI) (HT_PRINT)

The use of diesel generators, except for essential services, is also banned under stage two of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) which is a set of anti-air pollution measures followed in the capital and its vicinity according to the severity of the situation.

GRAP is classified under four stages of adverse air quality in Delhi. Stage one in a case of 'poor' air quality (AQI 201-300); stage two for 'very poor' air quality (AQI 301-400); stage three for 'severe' air quality (AQI 401-450); and stage four for 'severe plus' (AQI >450).

The sub-committee constituted for invoking actions under GRAP reviewed the air quality scenario in the region at a meeting on Wednesday.

It was noted that there is a forecast for deterioration of air quality over Delhi and the air quality index (AQI) may move into the 'very poor' category from October 22, due to calm winds and the stable atmospheric condition predicted over the capital from Saturday, the CAQM said in an order.

"Also, the Diwali festival on October 24 is expected to worsen the situation further. Therefore, to prevent the deterioration of the air quality further, the subcommittee decided that all actions as envisaged under Stage II of GRAP -- 'very poor' air quality (Delhi AQI 3O1-4OO) -- be implemented in right earnest by all the agencies concerned, with immediate effect in the NCR in addition to all actions under Stage I," the order read.

The use of coal and firewood in tandoors in hotels, restaurants and open eateries is not allowed under stage two.

Use of diesel generators is also not allowed except for essential services related to national security, defence-related activities, projects of national importance, telecommunication, data services, medical, railway and metro rail services, airports, inter-state bus terminals, sewage treatment plants and water pumping stations.

The authorities are also required to hike parking fees to discourage private transport and increase the frequency of bus and metro services.

Other measures to be taken under stage two include vacuum-based sweeping of roads every day, water sprinkling to prevent dust pollution and strict enforcement of dust control measures at construction and demolition sites.

Delhi's air quality continued to be in the poor category for the fourth consecutive day on Wednesday. The 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) stood at 228 at 4 pm.

At least six out of the 35 monitoring stations in the city recorded the air quality in the "very poor" category.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor, and 401 and 500 severe.