India, Oct. 21 -- The Government of India has issued a release:
Stage I - 'Poor' Air Quality
Capacity Range of DG sets
System to be adopted for control of emissions
Regulations for use
Power generating sets of all capacities running on LPG/ Natural Gas/Bio-gas/ Propane/Butane
None
No restrictions
Power generating sets up to 800 kW (1000 kVA) capacity to standards as per MoEFCC notification No. GSR 804 (E) dated 03.11.2022
None
No restrictions.
DG sets to older specifications / standards
800 kW (1000 kVA)
Any emission control system/mechanism, however subject to compliance of the prescribed emission standards in Direction no. 76
No restrictions
41 kW (51 kVA)
Dual fuel mode
No restrictions
19 kW (23 kVA)
Dual fuel mode
No restrictions
Portable DG sets below 19kW (23 kVA)
Presently no specific means of emission control are available in this category / capacity range of DG sets.
Not to be generally permitted.
(DELHI AQI ranging between 201-300)
and above
to less than
OR
to less than
Permitted only for the prescribed emergency services. *
800 kW (1000 kVA)
Retro-fitted ECDs through certified agencies
41 kW (51 kVA)
Note: DG Sets not working in a dual fuel mode, only owing to non-availability of gas infrastructure and supply, shall be permitted only for prescribed emergency services. *
Delhi recorded a daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 244 ('Poor' category) at 2 PM today, as per the daily AQI Bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Further, daily average AQI rose to 245 ('Poor' category) at 4PM.
In view of the average/ overall air quality of Delhi recording 'Poor' category (AQI ranging between 201-300), the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP met today to take stock of the current air quality scenario of Delhi-NCR. While comprehensively reviewing the air quality scenario in the region as well as forecast for weather/ meteorological conditions by IMD/ IITM and air quality index of Delhi, the Sub-Committee decided to invoke all 25 action points as per Stage-I of the extant GRAP with immediate effect, in the entire NCR.
Actions under Stage-I of the extant GRAP would be implemented, monitored and reviewed by all the agencies concerned in the entire NCR to ensure that the AQI levels do not slip further. All implementing agencies would keep strict vigil and intensify measures of the extant GRAP schedule.
Following are the 25 action points as per Stage-I of the extant GRAP:
Emergency services:
19. Do not permit inter-city/ inter-state buses from any city/ town of the states of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and also from the adjoining states of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand and J&K, other than EV / CNG / BS-VI Diesel, to ply in Delhi- NCR.
20. Strictly enforce the extant ban on use of coal / firewood as fuel in Tandoors in Hotels, Restaurants and open eateries and ensure use of only electricity / gas-based / clean fuel - based appliances in these establishments.
21. Undertake intensive Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities through print, electronic and social media, bulk SMS etc. including issuing alerts to citizens about Do's and Don'ts for minimizing polluting activities.
22. Mobile Apps to be used to inform people about the pollution levels and contact details of control room to enable them to report polluting activities / sources to the concerned authorities and inform them about actions that would be taken by Government.
23. Ensure quick actions for redressal of complaints on 311 App, Green Delhi App, SAMEER App, other such Apps and social media platforms to curb polluting activities.
24. Encourage offices to start unified commute for employees to reduce traffic on road.
25. Augment public transport services through CNG/ electric buses, metro and RRTS services by inducting additional fleet and increasing the frequency of service. Introduce differential rates to encourage off - peak travel.
Further, the Sub-Committee also urges the citizens of NCR to cooperate in implementing GRAP and adhere to the following steps mentioned in the Citizens Charter of Stage-I of GRAP:
The Sub-Committee shall be keeping a close watch on the air quality scenario and review the situation from time to time for further appropriate decisions depending upon the Air Quality in Delhi and forecast made by IMD/IITM.
The comprehensive schedule of the extant GRAP (September 2026) is available on the Commission's official website and may be accessed on https://caqm.nic.in
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
