New Delhi, Nov 2: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Monday invoked Stage-II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect, following a sharp deterioration in air quality that pushed Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) into the 'Very Poor' category.

According to the CAQM sub-committee, Delhi's air quality deteriorated sharply over a 72-hour period. The AQI stood at 117 in the 'Moderate' category on Saturday before rising to 261 in the 'Poor' category on Sunday and further worsening to 324 in the 'Very Poor' category on Monday.

With Stage-II restrictions now in force alongside the existing Stage-I measures, municipal corporations, traffic police and pollution control boards across Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan have been directed to step up enforcement measures.

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As part of the measures, municipal authorities will undertake daily mechanical or vacuum sweeping and water sprinkling, along with dust suppressants, on heavily trafficked roads and congestion-prone stretches. These activities will be prioritised before peak traffic hours.

Authorities will also intensify inspections and take remedial measures at identified pollution hotspots and construction and demolition (C&D) sites across the NCR.

To discourage the use of private vehicles, urban local bodies have been asked to increase parking charges. Meanwhile, state governments and the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) are implementing staggered office timings for government offices and municipal bodies in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar.

The sub-committee has also directed Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) to provide electric heaters to security guards, sanitation workers and horticulture staff. The move is aimed at preventing the open burning of biomass and municipal solid waste during the winter months.

The CAQM has urged residents to support pollution-control efforts by reducing the use of private vehicles and opting for public transport or carpooling. Citizens have also been advised to avoid dust-generating construction activities and work from home wherever their professional commitments permit. (With ANI inputs)