CAQM Sub-Committee imposes Stage-IV (‘Severe+ Air Quality) of the GRAP schedule (issued on 13.12.2024) in the entire NCR, with immediate effect – EQ

In Short : The CAQM Sub-Committee has imposed Stage-IV (‘Severe+’ Air Quality) of the GRAP schedule, effective immediately across the entire NCR, as of December 13, 2024. This measure addresses critically high pollution levels, implementing strict restrictions to curb emissions and improve air quality, ensuring public health and environmental protection.

In Detail : Delhi’s average AQI rose to 399 at 9PM tonight and breached the 400 mark at 10PM. Considering the steep rise in the AQI of Delhi owing to highly unfavourable meteorological conditions and absolute calm wind conditions, the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP called for an emergency meeting

The Hon’ble Supreme Court in its directions in WP(C) No. 13029 of 1985 in the matter of M.C. Mehta Vs. Union of India & Ors. dated 05.12.2024, inter alia, directed the Commission as under:

“…we must record here that if the Commission finds that the AQI goes above 350, as a precautionary measure, Stage-III measures will have to be immediately implemented. If the AQI crosses 400 on a given day, Stage-IV measures will have to be reintroduced…”

This was further reiterated by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in its Order dated 12.12.2024 in the above said matter.

In pursuance of the above directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, the Commission vide its earlier Order on date had invoked GRAP Stage-III when the AQI of Delhi breached the 350 mark, owing to unfavourable meteorological conditions and other factors for dispersion of the pollutants.

The Air Quality parameters, however, further worsened owing to a drastic reduction in the mixing layer height and continued absolute calm -wind conditions over Delhi. The Sub-Committee on GRAP was accordingly maintaining a close watch on the air quality scenario in Delhi. The Sub-Committee noted that the AQI level almost touched the 400 mark i.e. was 399 at 9PM and was recorded as 401 at 10 PM, breaching the 400 mark.

Accordingly, in pursuance of the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s directives, the Sub Committee hereby invokes the Stage-IV of the Schedule under GRAP, as comprehensively revised and issued on 13.12.2024, with immediate effect. The actions under Stage-IV shall be over and above the actions under Stages III, II and I, already in force.