Farm Fires, Weather, Diwali: Factors Behind CAQM Curbs, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has imposed precautionary air pollution curbs in Delhi-NCR, including a 15-day ban on dust-generating construction and a 50% work-from-home mandate.
• These measures, implemented under Section 12 of the CAQM Act, 2021, are explicitly termed "precautionary" and "anticipatory," distinguishing them from typical Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) actions.
• Key factors influencing the decision include unfavorable meteorological conditions, the upcoming Diwali festival, and ongoing paddy stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana.
• Approximately 55-60% of paddy harvesting in Punjab and 50% in Haryana has been completed.
• Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) worsened to 'Moderate' on Saturday and is projected to reach 'Poor' by November 2.

CAQM in Delhi.jpg

Detailed Insights:

• The CAQM order represents a new approach, taking pre-emptive actions outside the standard framework of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
• The CAQM Act, 2021, grants the Commission broad powers to protect and improve air quality in the National Capital Region and its surrounding areas.
• These new curbs are being implemented just before Delhi's comprehensive 10-point winter pollution plan, which addresses vehicle emissions, dust control, and office timings.
• This is the first time such anticipatory measures have been taken, requiring extensive coordination among state Chief Secretaries, municipal commissioners, and district magistrates.
• Delhi-NCR experienced comparatively better air quality in October this year, primarily due to favorable weather conditions.
• The AQI classifies air quality into categories like 'Good', 'Satisfactory', 'Moderate', 'Poor', 'Very Poor', and 'Severe', with 'Poor' indicating potential breathing discomfort for many.
• GRAP is a structured framework with four stages, where measures become progressively stricter as the AQI deteriorates, aiming to mitigate severe pollution episodes.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM): A statutory body established under the CAQM Act, 2021, responsible for coordinating and directing actions to combat air pollution in the NCR and adjoining areas.
• Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): An emergency action plan implemented in Delhi-NCR, with measures triggered in stages based on the prevailing Air Quality Index (AQI) levels.
• Air Quality Index (AQI): A numerical scale that communicates the level of air pollution and its associated health risks, based on concentrations of key pollutants.