CAQM Enforces Stage-I GRAP as Delhi AQI Dips to 'Poor'

07 Apr 2025 CW Team

With Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 217—categorised as ‘Poor’—the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the entire National Capital Region (NCR). This move triggers a 27-point action plan aimed at curbing pollution levels.

The decision, taken by the GRAP Sub-Committee, follows an increasing trend in AQI and forecasts by IMD/IITM that suggest the poor air quality will persist. As per protocol, measures outlined under Stage-I are being implemented with immediate effect and all enforcement agencies—including Pollution Control Boards of NCR states and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC)—have been directed to act swiftly.

Key actions:

Enforcing dust control norms at construction sites.
Regular mechanical road sweeping and water sprinkling.
Crackdown on open burning of waste and landfill fires.
Enforcement against over-aged and visibly polluting vehicles.
Strict industrial emissions monitoring and fuel usage compliance.
Ensuring non-use of diesel generators as regular power supply.
Promoting EVs and hybrid vehicles to control vehicular pollution.
Active use of anti-smog guns and dust suppression in infrastructure projects.

Public advisory: Residents are urged to maintain PUC certificates, avoid unnecessary vehicle idling, prefer clean-fuel vehicles, avoid firecrackers, and report violations via 311 App, SAMEER App, and Green Delhi App.

CAQM will continue monitoring the air quality scenario and may upgrade the GRAP stage based on real-time assessments and forecasts.

(PIB)

Infrastructure Urban

10 Mar 2026

ABB to Invest Rs 6.25 Billion to Expand India Manufacturing

ABB recently announced plans to invest approximately Rs 6.25 billion ($75 million) in India during 2026 to expand its manufacturing footprint and research and development capabilities. The investment follows more than $35 million spent in 2025 and reflects the company’s continued focus on strengthening its ‘local-for-local’ strategy in the country.The investment will support ABB’s Electrification, Motion and Automation businesses and expand manufacturing capacity for infrastructure sectors such as renewable energy, metro rail, data centres and industrial applications. Approximately 300..

Six WOLFF Cranes Handle 60,000 m³ Concrete for German Hospital

Six WOLFF tower cranes are playing a key role in constructing a new hospital complex in Memmingen, Germany, supporting large-scale material handling for the project. The facility is being built on a 7.7-hectare site and will feature six floors, around 480 beds and a gross floor area exceeding 75,000 sq m.Building shell works began recently in February 2025. One WOLFF 6531.12 Cross crane supported early site preparation before being dismantled in autumn 2025, while five remaining cranes continue operations. Over an average deployment period of 16 months, the cranes are expected to move approxim..

REC Funds Rs 115.6 Million CSR Support for Bihar Eye Hospital

REC recently committed Rs 115.6 million under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme for the procurement of clinical and non-clinical equipment at Sankara Eye Hospital in Saharsa, Bihar. The initiative aims to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve access to specialised eye care services in the region.A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was recently signed between Pradeep Fellows, Executive Director (CSR), REC Limited, and Wg Cdr V. Shankar (Retd), Trustee and Executive Director of Sankara Eye Hospital, at the REC office in the SCOPE Complex, New Delhi.The support is expecte..