In response to the persistently alarming air quality levels in Delhi, the authorities initiated the second phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Monday. With the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 306 at 8:00 a.m., categorised as “very poor”, the national capital is taking stringent measures to curb pollution and mitigate its adverse effects on public health.

A video shared by news agency ANI showcased water being sprinkled through an anti-smog gun at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Road. The visuals demonstrated one of the key strategies deployed under GRAP 2 to mitigate pollution.

#WATCH | Delhi: To mitigate pollution, water was sprinkled through an anti-smog gun at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Road after phase - 2 of the GRAP regulations were implemented today pic.twitter.com/fkDNPwehGq

— ANI (@ANI) October 23, 2023

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced the implementation of GRAP phase 2, stressing the need for immediate action to combat rising pollution. “The cold has started increasing in Delhi and the speed of the wind has decreased, this may increase pollution...The particulate matter is staying near the ground,” he told ANI.

#WATCH | Delhi: On actions being taken to mitigate air pollution in the city, Environment Minister Gopal Rai says, "The cold is increasing and the speed of the wind is decreasing... The level of AQI is rising. We had given the directions to implement the second phase of GRAP in… pic.twitter.com/KCqusuGO9h

— ANI (@ANI) October 23, 2023

“The weather is not in our hands but the sources need to be controlled so that the effect of pollution on the health of the people is reduced as much as possible,” the Environment Minister added.

GRAP 2 primarily focuses on cleaning and water sprinkling initiatives. To discourage private vehicle usage, the frequency of buses and trains will be increased, and parking charges will be raised. As winter approaches and bonfires become prevalent, Resident Welfare Associations are being advised to provide heaters to their residents, Rai added.

To coordinate the implementation of GRAP Phase 2, Gopal Rai on Monday held a discussion with environment ministers from neighbouring states to ensure collaborative efforts, addressing issues such as stubble burning, and the impending Dussehra and Diwali celebrations.

Rai stressed the urgency of the situation, stating, “Due to Diwali, stubble and Dussehra, the next 10 to 15 days are very crucial for Delhi.” As the city grapples with deteriorating air quality, the government and various stakeholders are working in tandem to alleviate the situation and safeguard public health.

Rai also discussed measures taken to reduce air pollution in the national capital after the scheduled meeting took place. He mentioned that there were 13 pollution hotspots in Delhi, and 8 areas, including Shadipur, Patparganj, Mandir Marg, Sonia Vihar, and Moti Bagh, with AQI levels above 300 due to local factors. Special teams will be sent to these areas to identify and inspect local sources of pollution, he added.

#WATCH | Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on actions being taken to mitigate air pollution in the city

"There are 13 pollution hotspots in Delhi. Today, 8 other points including Shadipur, Mandir Marg, Patparganj, Sonia Vihar, and Moti Bagh witnessed AQI levels above 300… pic.twitter.com/wbleu81UPp— ANI (@ANI) October 23, 2023

(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)