Serious Lapses in GRAP-3 and GRAP-4 Compliance; CAQM Orders Strict Action

New Delhi: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has identified serious lapses in the strict implementation of GRAP-3 and GRAP-4 measures across Delhi and the NCR. During a review of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and State Pollution Control Board operations, multiple shortcomings were observed, prompting CAQM to direct strict action against the officials responsible.

Control Room Set Up for Monitoring
To strengthen monitoring, CAQM has established a dedicated GRAP control room. The control room tracks daily implementation of GRAP-3 and GRAP-4, evaluates the strictness of actions taken by agencies, and ensures compliance with pollution control regulations.

Monitoring Process
Agencies are required to submit daily action reports and weekly compliance reports, which form the basis of monitoring. The review revealed deficiencies ranging from 7% to 99.6% in enforcing rules and taking necessary action under GRAP-3 and GRAP-4.

Complaint Redressal Delays
The control room also found that the complaint resolution process is slow, with 47% to 100% of complaints still unresolved across departments. This indicates that multiple agencies and departments are underperforming in addressing public grievances related to air pollution.

Air Quality Index (AQI) Status
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s AQI stood at 410 on Monday, slightly improving from 440 on Sunday. Other NCR cities recorded high pollution levels:

• Faridabad – 253
• Ghaziabad – 425
• Greater Noida – 375
• Gurugram – 379
• Noida – 412

Pollution levels in 25 locations were categorized as severe, with some areas exceeding emergency levels.

The findings highlight the urgent need for strict enforcement of GRAP protocols and prompt action by responsible authorities to tackle the worsening air quality in the national capital region.