NOIDA/GHAZIABAD: The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and adjoining areas (CAQM) on Saturday imposed stage 2 of the graded response action plan (GRAP) with immediate effect in Delhi-NCR. The decision comes after the wind direction changed to north-westerly on Saturday, which may bring smoke from stubble burning hotspots to the region.Across Noida and Ghaziabad, officials are carrying out mechanical or vacuum sweeping of roads and sprinkling water on roads every day. They are also enforcing dust control measures at construction and demolition sites and checking air pollution at hotspots.Track the pollution level in your cityThe power department is trying to ensure uninterrupted power supply to prevent use of diesel generator sets, while the traffic police are restricting old diesel- and petrol-run vehicles on roads. Alerts have been issued in newspapers and electronic media to discourage private transport, while parking fees have been enhanced. Efforts are on to augment CNG and electric buses and metro services. People have been asked to adhere to the citizens charter and avoid use of firecrackers during festivities. Instructions have been given out to check dust-generating construction activities. Burning of solid waste and bio-mass also remain prohibited.A Noida Authority official said, On Saturday, we used 26 water tankers to sprinkle water on 79km of roads in Noida. Twelve mechanical sweeping machines also swept 340km road. We have also placed 49 anti-smog guns at construction sites."DK Gupta, regional officer, UPPCB, Greater Noida, said, From October 1-20, we fined 40 violators Rs 20 lakh for violating construction and demolition norms. As the GRAP stage 2 comes into effect, we will expedite the enforcement, he said.On Saturday, Greater Noida recorded AQI 289 in the poor category, the worst in the country, according to the Central Pollution Control Board 4pm data. Noida recorded AQI 249 and Ghaziabad AQI 227, both in poor category, too. While Noida and Greater Noida also recorded poor air quality on Friday, Ghaziabad last recorded poor air quality on October 14. The overall air quality is likely to dip and enter very poor category soon.On Saturday, 146 incidents of stubble burning, which also fouls the citys air, were reported in Punjab against 174 a day earlier. Based on IITMs forecast, the CAQM noted that the air quality is likely to dip and reach the projected levels of Stage-II of GRAP on Monday and Tuesday.Agencies responsible for implementing measures under GRAP, including pollution control boards of NCR states and DPCC, have been addressed to ensure successful and strict implementation of actions under Stage 2of GRAP in addition to actions under Stage-I during this period, said a statement from CAQM.

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