After Delhi approaches worst ever air quality, CPCB recommends industries, construction activities to be shut down for two days

After Delhi recorded its second-highest pollution level of the year on Sunday and the Task Force on Graded Response Action Plan met on Monday and recommended that industries and construction activities in hotspot locations be kept closed for the next two days. The recommendations were made during the forty-first meeting of the Task Force on GRAP

It also recommended strict action against illegal industries.

Read below for the minutes of the meeting by GRAP Task Force: 

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The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed the overall air quality index (AQI) at 'severe' level of 446, the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR) showed a higher level at 471. "This is the second highest pollution level of this year. The highest was recorded on November 8, a day after Diwali, when the AQI touched 571. An AQI between 100 to 200 comes under the 'moderate' category, 201 and 300 is considered 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', while that between 401 and 500 is 'severe'."

The authorities have said that unfavourable meteorological conditions are likely to keep the air quality in the 'severe' category for the next couple of days.

In the GRAP meeting, the Task Force noted that PM2.5 level is above 300 μg/m3 since 19:00 Hrs on December 22, 2018 and PM10 level is above 500 μg/m3 since 01:00 Hrs on December 23, 2018.

READ: Delhi Recorded Second Highest Pollution Level Of The Year As Air Quality Turns 'severe'

As per IMD feedback, the situation might improve slightly but is likely to continue in severe category until afternoon of December 26, when wind speeds will pick up and improve dispersion of pollutants.

In view of this, Task Force recommended that in addition to actions suggested in its meeting of December 22, 2018 i.e. agencies should intensify ground actions and make all efforts to control polluting activities.

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(With inputs from PTI)