Ahead of Diwali, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CQAM) in NCR and adjoining areas on Wednesday (October 19, 2022) predicted “very poor” air quality in Delhi and directed authorities to enact stage two of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which includes banning the use of coal and firewood in hotels, restaurants and open eateries. In a meeting held on Wednesday, the sub-Committee noted that there is a forecast for “deterioration” of air quality over Delhi and that the Air Quality Index (AQI) may move into the “very poor” from October 22. It also said that the AQI is likely to worsen after Diwali on October 24.
The authorities are also required to hike parking fees to discourage private transport and increase the frequency of bus and metro services. Other measures to be taken under stage two include vacuum-based sweeping of roads every day, water sprinkling to prevent dust pollution and strict enforcement of dust control measures at construction and demolition sites.
The Arvind Kejriwal-led government on Wednesday announced that purchasing or bursting firecrackers on Diwali in Delhi will attract a jail term of up to six months and a fine of Rs 200. Addressing a press conference, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said production, storage and sale of firecrackers in the national capital will also be punishable with a fine of up to Rs 5,000 and three years in jail under Section 9B of the Explosives Act.
Rai informed that 408 teams have been set up to implement the ban.
Source: ZeeNews
