'AQI in poor category': GRAP-1 curbs imposed in Delhi-NCR - what's allowed & what's not

NEW DELHI: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Thursday imposed Stage-I measures across Delhi-NCR under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) after air quality slipped into the "poor" category.“The AQI of Delhi has been showing an increasing trend owing to unfavourable meteorological conditions and was recorded at 226 (‘poor’ category) today. Forecasts by the India Meteorological Department and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology indicate that it is likely to remain in the ‘poor’ category over the next two days,” a senior official told PTI.The CAQM sub-committee subsequently decided to enforce all actions under Stage-I of GRAP across the NCR with immediate effect, the official added.Under GRAP stage-I curbs, the burning of waste in the open is strictly prohibited. The use of coal or wood as fuel in roadside eateries and commercial kitchens is banned, with hotels, restaurants and open dining areas required to switch to electricity, gas or other cleaner fuels.Additionally, diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years are barred from operating on the roads of Delhi.Dust suppression measures, including the deployment of anti-smog guns, will be enforced at all construction and demolition sites. Projects exceeding 500 square metres must adhere to approved dust control plans. The use of diesel generators is permitted only for essential or emergency purposes. Polluting vehicles may face penalties or be impounded. Traffic management measures include deploying police personnel at key intersections and advising motorists in Delhi NCR to switch off engines at red lights.