*AAP Government to crackdown on pollution with strict implementation of GRAP-1; CM Atishi takes stock of situation in high-level review meeting
*Delhi's air was in Good Category for 200 days from From January to October 12, but the AQI has been in the Poor Category for the past two days: CM Atishi
*99 teams will inspect construction sites for dust control, while PWD will deploy 200, MCD 30, NCRTC 14, and DMRC 80 anti-smog guns: CM Atishi
*Delhi Police will deploy additional personnel at traffic-prone spots; Home Guards on standby if needed: CM Atishi
*CM Atishi appeals to Delhiites to carpool, avoid burning crackers and garbage, and report pollution incidents on Green Delhi app
*We are implementing the 21-point Winter Action Plan with full force, but all NCR states will need to strictly implement GRAP as well: Gopal Rai
*Stubble burning incidents decreasing in Punjab, but they are increasing in BJP-ruled neighboring states like UP and Haryana: Gopal Rai
NEW DELHI; 15.10.24-In response to the recent spike in air pollution levels, the Delhi Government will be strictly implementing a series of stringent measures under GRAP-1 to improve air quality in the national capital. The development came after Chief Minister Atishi took stock of the situation in a high-level meeting with Environment Minister Gopal Rai and senior officials, on Tuesday.
As part of the measures, 99 teams will inspect construction sites for dust control, while PWD will deploy 200, MCD 30, NCRTC 14, and DMRC 80 anti-smog guns. Similarly, Delhi Police will deploy additional personnel at traffic-prone spots and Home Guards will be on standby if needed. CM Atishi has also appealed to Delhiites to carpool, avoid burning crackers and garbage, and report pollution incidents on Green Delhi app.
Addressing a press conference after the review meeting, CM Atishi highlighted the improvements made in air quality this year. She said, “if we look at AQI levels and pollution levels in Delhi from January 1 to October 12 this year, we’ve had 200 good AQI days. This is a higher number compared to the last few years. This year, Delhi residents have experienced better air quality, which has been achieved through their efforts and the pollution control measures adopted by the Delhi Government.” She, however, noted the dip in air quality over the last two days, saying, “on October 13, the AQI reached 224, and on October 14, it reached 234, which puts the air quality in the poor category. Due to two consecutive days of poor AQI, GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) Stage 1 restrictions have been imposed in Delhi from yesterday evening.”
The Chief Minister then outlined the outcomes of a high-level review meeting. The meeting saw the presence of officials from all departments of the state, including PWD, MCD, DMRC, NHAI, Revenue Department, Industries Department, and Power Department. A key focus of the meeting was dust mitigation at construction sites. “33 teams have been formed by the DPCC, 33 teams by the Revenue Department, and 33 teams by the Industries Department. These 99 teams will conduct inspections on a day-to-day basis,” CM Atishi explained. “The team will ensure that dust control measures are being followed at both government and private construction sites. Specifically, they will focus on the removal of Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste, which increases PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels, contributing to dust pollution,” she added.
Addressing the issue of Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste, CM Atishi announced that 79 MCD teams will work during the day, and 75 teams will work at night to remove this waste. She emphasized the importance of this measure in reducing PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels. “Another important mandate for the MCD is to prevent open biomass burning. For this, 116 teams will be deployed during the day, and 116 teams will be deployed at night to stop any form of open biomass or waste burning,” she added.
Talking about road dust control, the CM mentioned that one of the major causes of road dust is damaged roads. “PWD is repairing 1,400 kilometers of roads, on a war footing, and the timelines for repairing roads under NCRTC and DMRC have been set for October 30. Last week, we held a review meeting with MCD, where it was agreed that MCD would repair potholes on its damaged roads,” she said.
To control road dust beyond just repairs, anti-smog guns will be deployed this season. In today’s meeting, CM Atishi gave directions to PWD for deploying 200 anti-smog guns on its roads and major pollution hotspots. In line with this, DMRC will deploy 80 anti-smog guns, some of which will be static and others mobile, to be used at construction sites. MCD will deploy 30 anti-smog guns, and NCRTC, which is handling the RRTS construction, will deploy 14 anti-smog guns.
CM Atishi further informed that directions have been given to the Traffic Police for proper traffic management. “They will identify traffic jam-prone locations and deploy extra personnel. Especially since during the festive season, traffic tends to increase, and there have been traffic jams over the last 3-4 days. The Delhi Traffic Police will also send a requisition to the Delhi government by tomorrow if they need home guards. The home guards will be deployed at traffic jam hotspots to ensure proper traffic management,” she said.
The CM also announced the government’s plans to clampdown on generator use, especially at banquet halls and events, where diesel-based generators are often used instead of temporary power connections. “Our campaign to shift away from diesel-based generators has been ongoing for a year, but with rising pollution levels, teams from the Power Department will ensure that diesel generators are not used anywhere. The Power Department has also been directed to explore reducing temporary connection charges in coordination with DISCOMs and DERC for the next three months, as higher temporary connection costs often lead people to use diesel generators,” she said.
CM Atishi also informed that an awareness drive will be launched to encourage the public to carpool as much as possible. “We will also appeal to the public not to use fireworks during Diwali. RWAs will be encouraged to provide electric heaters for security guards to avoid wood burning. The Delhi government is committed to controlling pollution, and wherever teams need to be deployed or enforcement is required, it will be done. However, my appeal to the people of Delhi is that the government alone cannot stop pollution. Without the cooperation of Delhiites, we cannot control the rising pollution levels in the city. So, my appeal to all Delhiites is to carpool as much as possible and report any polluting activities on the Green Delhi app so that we can take immediate action,” she said.
Environment Minister Gopal Rai emphasized the need for a regional approach to pollution control. “The Delhi government has been working on a comprehensive action plan to control pollution in the city. We have already operationalized the Green War Room and launched the Green Delhi app. The bio-decomposer is being sprayed to control incidents of stubble burning in Delhi. As predicted earlier, pollution levels are rising as wind speeds slow, rains stop, and temperatures drop. As the AQI crossed 200, GRAP Stage 1 was imposed. To ensure effective implementation, today’s meeting, chaired by the Chief Minister, involved key departments and officials. However, as I have repeatedly mentioned, pollution in Delhi is not solely a Delhi issue. It also comes from surrounding areas. Delhi faces more pollution from outside than from within. Since the problem is collective, the solution must also be collective.”
He explained that GRAP rules, issued by CAQM, apply not only to Delhi but to the entire NCR, including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan. “However, we often see that while the Delhi Government works proactively to implement measures, the same is not done in the neighboring regions. While we have our government in Delhi, the surrounding areas are governed by the BJP, and we depend on them. As the AQI levels rise, I appeal to all BJP governments in these regions to hold similar meetings and ensure the implementation of GRAP, just as we have done in Delhi,” he said.
He further said, “The issue of pollution from brick kilns cannot be addressed unless the Uttar Pradesh government takes action. Similarly, we are providing 24-hour power supply in Delhi, but Ghaziabad and Gurgaon do not have the same, leading to generator use there, and we suffer the consequences. We also have to bear the brunt of stubble burning from other states.”
The Environment Minister also addressed concerns regarding stubble burning in Punjab. “Data from the Central government’s IARI - Indian Agricultural Research Institute, shows a different story than what is being promoted in the media by the BJP. From October 1 to October 14 this year, Punjab saw 811 stubble-burning incidents, down from 1,105 last year. In contrast, Haryana saw an increase from 341 to 417 incidents, and Uttar Pradesh saw a rise from 244 to 417 incidents. While stubble burning is decreasing in Punjab, it is increasing in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. This data is not ours but from the Central government, so I request BJP members to stop solely blaming Punjab and work on controlling stubble burning in their states as well. We need everyone's cooperation.”
Responding to a media query both the Chief Minister and Environment Minister cleared the air surrounding the ban on firecrackers. CM Atishi said, “We live in Delhi, and so do our families. Our elderly parents and young children live here too. It’s not just Aam Aadmi Party supporters who live in Delhi—BJP supporters live here too. When pollution levels rise after Diwali, visit any emergency ward in Delhi hospitals and check how many patients aged 60 or above are admitted with respiratory problems. Children under five face severe lung damage due to high pollution levels. We don’t want to politicize this issue. I appeal to all, regardless of party affiliation, to prioritize public health. The more responsibly we act as citizens of Delhi, the better and more livable our environment will be.”
While, Environment Minister Gopal Rai said, “I urge BJP members to look at the scientific basis of their arguments. A report from Delhi Technological University (DTU) published today shows the impact of firecracker bans during Diwali. According to the report, particulate matter levels significantly reduced when firecrackers were banned compared to when they were allowed.”
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*AAP Government to explore replacing physical RCs with digital versions
*Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot chairs meeting with industry stakeholders to address RC and HSRP backlogs
*Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot warns of strict action, including Trade Certificate cancellation, over delays in RC
*Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot directs SIAM to clear backlog in HSRP processing for older vehicles
*Timely delivery of vehicle registration certificates and adherence to compliance standards are critical to ensuring a seamless experience for vehicle owners in Delhi- Kailash Gahlot
*Delhi government is committed to improving all processes, and any non-compliance will be dealt with strictly- Kailash Gahlot
*We are working towards making our systems more efficient and accessible for all- Kailash Gahlot
NEW DELHI-15.10.24-Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot chaired a crucial meeting with representatives from the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) to address pressing concerns and explore potential solutions. The meeting focused on key issues such as delays in vehicle registration, non-compliance at multi-brand outlets, and backlogs in High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP) requests.
Commenting on the discussions, Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot stated, "Timely delivery of vehicle registration certificates and adherence to compliance standards are critical to ensuring a seamless experience for vehicle owners in Delhi. The Delhi government is committed to improving these processes, and any non-compliance will be dealt with strictly. We are working towards making our systems more efficient and accessible for all."
During the meeting, Kailash Gahlot addressed the issue of delays in receiving Registration Certificates (RCs) for vehicles, despite dealers having access to self-registration facilities. He expressed concern over reports of delays lasting several days and directed the Transport Department to take strict action against non-compliant dealers. Dealers found disregarding timelines may face cancellation of their trade certificates. Kailash Gahlot also emphasized the possibility of conducting surprise inspections to ensure adherence to the rules.
The Delhi Government initiated the printing of RCs through self-registration by dealers in March 2021, with the first RC issued on 17th March 2021. This initiative was expanded across Delhi, and by September 2021, all self-registration dealers in the city were empowered to print RCs.
Delhi has 263 dealers authorized to print RCs at their dealer points. By June 2024, a total of 15,11,428 RCs had been printed directly by dealers at the point of vehicle purchase. 3,07,630 RCs were printed in 2021, which increased to 4,72,311 in 2022. The number further rose to 4,96,828 in 2023. From January to June 2024 alone, 2,34,659 RCs were issued.
The possibility of replacing physical RCs with digital versions was also discussed during the meeting. The Transport Minister directed the Transport Department to evaluate the feasibility of implementing digital RCs in Delhi, aiming to enhance convenience and streamline the process for residents.
Further, FADA raised concerns about multi-brand outlets selling vehicles without valid trade certificates or the necessary permissions from the Transport Department. In response, the Transport Minister instructed the department to rigorously check compliance at these outlets. He directed that any outlet found in violation of regulations should be banned from operating by the Transport Department.
Kailash Gahlot also engaged with SIAM on the existing backlog in processing HSRP requests for older vehicles. SIAM assured that the delay would not exceed 3-4 days, highlighting that out of nearly 17 lakh bookings, 13.5 lakh have already been completed. The Transport Minister directed SIAM to explore further measures to reduce these delays and improve convenience for vehicle owners in Delhi.