To address the air pollution problem in Delhi, the 'Winter Action Plan' will come into effect starting November 1st. This plan introduces strict regulations.
Among the measures to be implemented are the requirement for offices to operate in a remote work (work from home) mode at 50 percent. Restrictions will also be introduced on the use of fuel without a PUC certificate and a ban on the movement of vehicles that do not meet the BS4 standard.
Due to the rising level of air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region, including Noida and Greater Noida, the government has intensified its measures. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Noida and Greater Noida exceeded the mark of 200, leading to the introduction of the first stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-1) in Delhi-NCR.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) issued directives for implementing the measures established under GRAP-1 in the NCR areas covering Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan, and instructed relevant officials to continuously monitor the situation.
Following the implementation of GRAP-1, monitoring of polluting activities has been strengthened. Restrictions have been imposed on the use of coal and wood in tandoors at hotels, restaurants, and street food stalls. Furthermore, burning of garbage, plastic, and dry leaves is prohibited.
Methods such as mechanical street sweeping, water spraying, and the use of anti-smog cannons are actively being employed. Ritesh Tiwari, an official from the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) in the Noida area, reported that department teams are conducting constant on-site checks to control pollution.
Over the period from October to November, about 30 establishments were inspected, 17 of which were found to be in violation. A fine of approximately 75 lakh rupees has been recommended for these cases. According to Tiwari, information about the measures taken by the department is disseminated through the media and social networks to raise public awareness and ensure compliance with established norms in construction work and other activities.
The regional office official also noted that control is being tightened over Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) and hot mix concrete plants operating near Pust Road. A fine of approximately 1.28 crore rupees was imposed for pollution incidents at these facilities. The department emphasizes that regular inspections and actions will continue to curb pollution-increasing activities.
An additional problem is the dust raised from poor roads in the Noida area, which also exacerbates the pollution issue. Ritesh Tiwari stated that he has personally discussed this matter repeatedly with officials from the Board and the Irrigation Department, and has sent official requests for road improvement. He added that information has been received regarding the allocation of funds to the Irrigation Department for road construction, and the department has promised prompt resolution of the issue. UPPCB staff maintain constant contact with the Irrigation Department for quick resolution of road problems.
The Pollution Control Department asserts that field inspections and actions against violators have been enhanced since the introduction of GRAP-1. Department teams conduct continuous surveillance to control the rising level of pollution.
Following the Dasara festival, pollution levels in the Delhi-NCR region significantly increased, reaching hazardous levels. The Air Quality Index (AQI) surpassed the mark of 300 due to smoke from fireworks and stubble burning.
To stabilize the situation, GRAP 1 restrictions were implemented, which prohibit construction work and open waste burning. According to meteorological service forecasts, the situation may worsen in the coming days.
