The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the entire National Capital Region (NCR) after Delhi’s daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 206 (‘Poor’ category), according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The decision was taken after reviewing meteorological conditions and forecasts by IMD and IITM, which predict AQI levels to remain in this range. With immediate effect, all 27 measures under Stage-I of GRAP must be implemented by relevant agencies, including state pollution control boards and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). The public is also urged to support the initiative by following the Citizen Charter, which includes vehicle maintenance, reducing waste burning, planting trees, and reporting air pollution violations through mobile apps like 311 App, Green Delhi App, and SAMEER App. The 27-point action plan under Stage-I includes: Strict enforcement of dust mitigation measures at construction and demolition (C&D) sites. Regular lifting of municipal solid waste (MSW) and hazardous waste from designated sites. Increased mechanised sweeping and water sprinkling on roads. Stringent penalties for open waste burning. Enhanced traffic management at congested intersections. Strict implementation of PUC norms and penalties on visibly polluting vehicles. Enforcing the ban on overaged diesel and petrol vehicles in NCR. Ensuring compliance with industrial emission norms, particularly in thermal power plants, brick kilns, and hot mix plants. Banning the use of coal/firewood in eateries and ensuring only electricity or gas-based appliances are used. Encouraging offices to adopt unified commute solutions to reduce vehicular emissions. Authorities will closely monitor air quality trends and take further decisions based on forecasts by IMD and IITM. The CAQM will review the situation periodically to determine if stricter measures under GRAP are required. (PIB)