In a bid to tackle worsening air quality in Delhi, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) held a key meeting on Saturday to impose stricter Stage-III measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
Dr Sujit Kumar Bajpayee, member of CAQM who chaired the meeting, stated that there was an urgent need for strict measures. He noted that there was a little improvement in pollution levels despite existing rules.
The meeting identified major gaps, including violations at construction and demolition sites, a lack of Mobile Roadside Monitoring Stations (MRSMs), and weak action against vehicles without valid pollution control certificates.
Authorities were also instructed to quickly address complaints lodged through social media and ensure prompt resolution. Dr Bajpayee also warned of stringent action for lapses under the CAQM Act.
The meeting comes ahead of a Supreme Court review of anti-pollution efforts. The court is expected to scrutinise GRAP-III implementation, adding pressure on authorities to show results.
Earlier, the Supreme Court pulled up the Delhi government by questioning why there wasn’t a permanent, nationwide ban on firecrackers, and restrictions are applied only during specific months in Delhi when air pollution remains a year-round issue in the national capital.
The CAQM’s push for stricter enforcement highlights the growing urgency to combat Delhi’s chronic air pollution crisis and address public health concerns.
