To address the growing pollution, Stage 1 of the GRAP focuses on key measures to curb dust and pollution sources, including stricter controls at construction sites, enhanced waste management, and increased road cleaning.
In response to worsening air quality in the national capital, the first stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was implemented on Tuesday. The move comes as Delhi's air quality remains in the 'poor' category for the third consecutive day, with pollution levels rising post-Dussehra.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 207 on Tuesday morning, which falls in the 'poor' range. To address the growing pollution, Stage 1 of the GRAP focuses on key measures to curb dust and pollution sources, including stricter controls at construction sites, enhanced waste management, and increased road cleaning.
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Delhi's air quality has steadily deteriorated as winter approaches, making it necessary to activate GRAP's first stage. The weather in the city has also contributed to the current pollution levels. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature on Tuesday morning dropped to 17.4 degrees Celsius, two degrees below normal, with humidity at 64 percent. The IMD forecasts cloudy skies for the day, with the maximum temperature likely to reach 35 degrees Celsius.
The AQI scale categorizes air quality from 'good' to 'severe,' with an AQI between 201-300 classified as 'poor.' The rising pollution levels highlight the urgent need for action to prevent further deterioration, especially as winter smog looms over the capital.
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Key measures under stage 1 of GRAP: