CAQM Sub-Committee Activates 27-Point Plan to Improve NCR Air Quality
ECONOMY & POLICY

CAQM Sub-Committee Activates 27-Point Plan to Improve NCR Air Quality

The daily average AQI of Delhi has been hovering marginally above 200 threshold with forecast of slight improvement since last two days. Today, Delhi’s daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) clocked 213 (‘Poor’ category), as per the daily AQI Bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), owing to variable winds. In wake of the average/ overall air quality of Delhi recording ‘Poor’ air quality category ranging between 201-300, the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP met today to take stock of the current air quality scenario of Delhi-NCR. While comprehensively reviewing the air quality scenario in the region as well as the IMD/IITM forecasts and air quality index of Delhi, it was observed as under:

Owing to AQI of Delhi has been hovering marginally above 200 with forecast of slight improvement since last two days. The AQI of Delhi has been recorded 213 on 21.05.2025 owing to the variable winds. Further, the forecast by IMD/ IITM has also predicted AQI to remain in ‘Poor’ category in coming days.

The Sub-Committee, accordingly, decides to invoke all actions under Stage-I (‘Poor’ Air Quality) of GRAP in the entire NCR, with immediate effect. Actions under Stage-I of GRAP shall be implemented, monitored and reviewed by all the agencies concerned in the entire NCR to ensure that the AQI levels do not slip further. All implementing agencies shall keep strict vigil and intensify measures of the GRAP schedule. Citizens may be requested to strictly adhere to the citizen charter under GRAP Stage-I.

Further, the Sub-Committee also urges the citizens of NCR to cooperate in implementing GRAP and follow the steps mentioned in the Citizen Charter of Stage I of GRAP as under:
  • Keep engines of your vehicles properly tuned.
  • Maintain proper tyre pressure in vehicles.
  • Keep PUC certificates of your vehicles up to date.
  • Do not idle your vehicle, also turn off the engine at red lights.
  • Prefer hybrid vehicles or EVs to control vehicular pollution.
  • Do not litter / dispose wastes, garbage in open spaces.
  • Report air polluting activities through 311 App, Green Delhi App, SAMEER App etc.
  • Plant more trees.
  • Celebrate festivals in an eco-friendly manner - avoid firecrackers.
  • Do not drive/ ply end of life/ 10/15 years old Diesel/ Petrol vehicles. 

A 27-point action plan as per Stage-I of GRAP is applicable with immediate effect, in the entire NCR. This 27-point action plan includes steps to be implemented/ ensured by various agencies including Pollution Control Boards of NCR States and DPCC. These steps are:

  • Ensure proper implementation of Directions/ Rules/ guidelines on dust mitigation measures in Construction and Demolition (C&D) activities and sound environmental management of C&D waste.
  • Ensure strict compliance of Direction Nos. 11-18 dated 11.06.2021 and do not permit C&D activities in respect of such projects with plot size equal to or more than 500 sqm which are not registered on the ‘web portal’ of the respective state / GNCTD and / or which do not fulfil the other requirements as per the above noted statutory directions, for remote monitoring of dust mitigation measures.
  • Ensure regular lifting of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste, and Hazardous wastes from dedicated dump sites and ensure that no waste is dumped illegally in open land areas.
  • Carry out periodic mechanized sweeping and water sprinkling on roads and ensure scientific disposal of the dust collected in designated sites/landfills.
  • Ensure that C&D materials & waste are properly stored/ contained, duly covered in the premises.  Ensure transportation of C&D materials and C&D waste only through covered vehicles.
  • Strictly enforce the Statutory directions and yardsticks for use of anti-smog guns at C&D sites, in proportion to the total built-up area of the project under construction.
  • Intensify use of anti-smog guns, water sprinkling and dust suppression measures in road construction / widening / repair projects and maintenance activities.
  • Stringently enforce prohibition on open burning of bio-mass and municipal solid waste. Impose maximum EC upon violations in accordance with Hon’ble NGT’s orders dated 04.12.2014 and 28.04.2015 in OA 21/2014.
  • Strict vigil to ensure that there are no burning incidents in the landfill sites/ dumpsites.
  • Deploy traffic police for smooth traffic flow at all identified corridors with heavy traffic and congestion prone intersections.
  • Strict vigilance and enforcement of PUC norms for vehicles.
  • No tolerance for visible emissions – Stop visibly polluting vehicles by impounding and/ or levying maximum penalty.
  • Strictly enforce the Hon’ble Supreme Court order on diversion of non- destined truck traffic for Delhi, through Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways.
  • Strictly enforce NGT / Hon’ble SC’s order on overaged diesel / petrol vehicles and as per extant statutes.
  • Ensure strict penal/ legal action against non-compliant and illegal industrial units.
  • Stringently enforce all pollution control regulations in Industries, brick kilns and hot mix plants etc. - strict compliance of the prescribed standards of emissions.
  • Ensure that only approved fuels are used by the industries in NCR including in brick kilns and hot mix plants and enforce closure in case of violations, if any.
  • Stringently enforce emission norms in thermal power plants and strict actions be taken against non-compliance.
  • Strictly enforce Hon’ble Courts / Tribunal orders regarding ban on firecrackers.
  • Ensure regular lifting and proper disposal of industrial waste from industrial and                    non-development areas.
  • DISCOMS to minimise power supply interruptions in NCR.
  • Ensure that diesel generator sets are not used as regular source of power supply.
  • Strictly enforce the extant ban on coal / firewood as fuel in Tandoors in Hotels, Restaurants and open eateries.
  • Ensure hotels, restaurants and open eateries use only electricity / gas-based / clean fuel - based appliances.
  • Information dissemination including through social media and bulk SMS etc. Mobile Apps to be used to inform people about the pollution levels, contact details of control room, enable them to report polluting activities / sources to the concerned authorities and inform them about actions that would be taken by Government.
  • Ensure quick actions for redressal of complaints on 311 APP, Green Delhi App, SAMEER App and other such social media platforms to curb polluting activities.
  • Encourage offices to start unified commute for employees to reduce traffic on road.

All the agencies concerned are also required to take note of various actions and the targeted timelines as envisaged in the comprehensive policy issued by the Commission to curb air pollution in the NCR and take appropriate actions accordingly in the field, particularly the dust mitigation measures.

The Commission shall be keeping a close watch on the air quality scenario and review the situation from time to time for further appropriate decision depending upon the air quality in Delhi and forecast made by IMD/ IITM.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

The daily average AQI of Delhi has been hovering marginally above 200 threshold with forecast of slight improvement since last two days. Today, Delhi’s daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) clocked 213 (‘Poor’ category), as per the daily AQI Bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), owing to variable winds. In wake of the average/ overall air quality of Delhi recording ‘Poor’ air quality category ranging between 201-300, the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP met today to take stock of the current air quality scenario of Delhi-NCR. While comprehensively reviewing the air quality scenario in the region as well as the IMD/IITM forecasts and air quality index of Delhi, it was observed as under:Owing to AQI of Delhi has been hovering marginally above 200 with forecast of slight improvement since last two days. The AQI of Delhi has been recorded 213 on 21.05.2025 owing to the variable winds. Further, the forecast by IMD/ IITM has also predicted AQI to remain in ‘Poor’ category in coming days.The Sub-Committee, accordingly, decides to invoke all actions under Stage-I (‘Poor’ Air Quality) of GRAP in the entire NCR, with immediate effect. Actions under Stage-I of GRAP shall be implemented, monitored and reviewed by all the agencies concerned in the entire NCR to ensure that the AQI levels do not slip further. All implementing agencies shall keep strict vigil and intensify measures of the GRAP schedule. Citizens may be requested to strictly adhere to the citizen charter under GRAP Stage-I.Further, the Sub-Committee also urges the citizens of NCR to cooperate in implementing GRAP and follow the steps mentioned in the Citizen Charter of Stage I of GRAP as under:Keep engines of your vehicles properly tuned.Maintain proper tyre pressure in vehicles.Keep PUC certificates of your vehicles up to date.Do not idle your vehicle, also turn off the engine at red lights.Prefer hybrid vehicles or EVs to control vehicular pollution.Do not litter / dispose wastes, garbage in open spaces.Report air polluting activities through 311 App, Green Delhi App, SAMEER App etc.Plant more trees.Celebrate festivals in an eco-friendly manner - avoid firecrackers.Do not drive/ ply end of life/ 10/15 years old Diesel/ Petrol vehicles. A 27-point action plan as per Stage-I of GRAP is applicable with immediate effect, in the entire NCR. This 27-point action plan includes steps to be implemented/ ensured by various agencies including Pollution Control Boards of NCR States and DPCC. These steps are:Ensure proper implementation of Directions/ Rules/ guidelines on dust mitigation measures in Construction and Demolition (C&D) activities and sound environmental management of C&D waste.Ensure strict compliance of Direction Nos. 11-18 dated 11.06.2021 and do not permit C&D activities in respect of such projects with plot size equal to or more than 500 sqm which are not registered on the ‘web portal’ of the respective state / GNCTD and / or which do not fulfil the other requirements as per the above noted statutory directions, for remote monitoring of dust mitigation measures.Ensure regular lifting of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste, and Hazardous wastes from dedicated dump sites and ensure that no waste is dumped illegally in open land areas.Carry out periodic mechanized sweeping and water sprinkling on roads and ensure scientific disposal of the dust collected in designated sites/landfills.Ensure that C&D materials & waste are properly stored/ contained, duly covered in the premises.  Ensure transportation of C&D materials and C&D waste only through covered vehicles.Strictly enforce the Statutory directions and yardsticks for use of anti-smog guns at C&D sites, in proportion to the total built-up area of the project under construction.Intensify use of anti-smog guns, water sprinkling and dust suppression measures in road construction / widening / repair projects and maintenance activities.Stringently enforce prohibition on open burning of bio-mass and municipal solid waste. Impose maximum EC upon violations in accordance with Hon’ble NGT’s orders dated 04.12.2014 and 28.04.2015 in OA 21/2014.Strict vigil to ensure that there are no burning incidents in the landfill sites/ dumpsites.Deploy traffic police for smooth traffic flow at all identified corridors with heavy traffic and congestion prone intersections.Strict vigilance and enforcement of PUC norms for vehicles.No tolerance for visible emissions – Stop visibly polluting vehicles by impounding and/ or levying maximum penalty.Strictly enforce the Hon’ble Supreme Court order on diversion of non- destined truck traffic for Delhi, through Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways.Strictly enforce NGT / Hon’ble SC’s order on overaged diesel / petrol vehicles and as per extant statutes.Ensure strict penal/ legal action against non-compliant and illegal industrial units.Stringently enforce all pollution control regulations in Industries, brick kilns and hot mix plants etc. - strict compliance of the prescribed standards of emissions.Ensure that only approved fuels are used by the industries in NCR including in brick kilns and hot mix plants and enforce closure in case of violations, if any.Stringently enforce emission norms in thermal power plants and strict actions be taken against non-compliance.Strictly enforce Hon’ble Courts / Tribunal orders regarding ban on firecrackers.Ensure regular lifting and proper disposal of industrial waste from industrial and                    non-development areas.DISCOMS to minimise power supply interruptions in NCR.Ensure that diesel generator sets are not used as regular source of power supply.Strictly enforce the extant ban on coal / firewood as fuel in Tandoors in Hotels, Restaurants and open eateries.Ensure hotels, restaurants and open eateries use only electricity / gas-based / clean fuel - based appliances.Information dissemination including through social media and bulk SMS etc. Mobile Apps to be used to inform people about the pollution levels, contact details of control room, enable them to report polluting activities / sources to the concerned authorities and inform them about actions that would be taken by Government.Ensure quick actions for redressal of complaints on 311 APP, Green Delhi App, SAMEER App and other such social media platforms to curb polluting activities.Encourage offices to start unified commute for employees to reduce traffic on road.All the agencies concerned are also required to take note of various actions and the targeted timelines as envisaged in the comprehensive policy issued by the Commission to curb air pollution in the NCR and take appropriate actions accordingly in the field, particularly the dust mitigation measures.The Commission shall be keeping a close watch on the air quality scenario and review the situation from time to time for further appropriate decision depending upon the air quality in Delhi and forecast made by IMD/ IITM.

Next Story
Real Estate

Pecan Realty Completes Rs 1.5 Billion Transactions

Pecan Realty has recently completed four institutional transactions worth over Rs 1.5 billion over the past two years, strengthening its position as an execution-led real estate platform. The deals include resolution-led acquisitions, structured finance transactions and capital partnerships across its development portfolio.The transactions covered acquisitions through the National Company Law Tribunal process and helped provide repayment or exits to both private and public sector lenders. The company said the deals demonstrate its ability to resolve complex project situations, work with instit..

Next Story
Real Estate

SNN Estates Expands North Bengaluru Housing Project

SNN Estates has announced an expansion of its SNN Estates Felicity residential project in North Bengaluru following strong buyer demand, with 75 per cent of the first-phase inventory sold within three days of launch.The developer will add 76 apartments in the new phase, taking the project's estimated revenue potential to around Rs 1,000 crore upon completion of Phase 2.Spread across 6.5 acres in Rachenahalli, near Manyata Tech Park, the project comprises 604 apartments in 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 and 4 BHK configurations. The development includes a 50,000-sq-ft clubhouse with amenities such as sports co..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

SCG Drives ASEAN Industrial Transformation Strategy

SCG is strengthening its focus on ASEAN as a key growth region by advancing industrial transformation, enhancing competitiveness and building resilient regional value chains. Thammasak Sethaudom, President and Chief Executive Officer, SCG, highlighted the need for industries to continuously develop capabilities, strengthen resilience and deepen regional cooperation to achieve sustainable long-term growth.SCG views ASEAN as an important growth engine alongside China, supported by favourable demographics, trade connectivity and investment flows. With ASEAN’s GDP projected to grow by around 4.7..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement