Delhi-NCR activates first-stage air pollution controls

The Commission for Air Quality Management activated the first stage of pollution controls across Delhi and the National Capital Region on October 21, after Delhi’s air quality entered the poor category. The move followed an increase in the city’s Air Quality Index from 179 on October 20 to 244 at 2 p.m. on October 21, according to the commission’s order. Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan applies when the AQI is between 201 and 300. The measures direct agencies to curb road and construction dust, enforce rules against open waste burning and take action against visibly polluting vehicles. Construction and demolition sites must follow dust-control requirements, but the stage does not impose a blanket shutdown of construction or daily activity. The controls also include restrictions on coal and firewood use at roadside eateries and commercial kitchens, alongside enforcement of pollution-certificate requirements. Agencies are directed to intensify road sweeping, water sprinkling where needed, waste collection and traffic management. The commission instructed authorities across the region to implement, monitor and review the measures to prevent further deterioration. The...