Air quality to turn 'very poor'; Centre invokes GRAP 'Stage II'

The Centre's air quality panel has directed authorities in the National Capital Region to increase parking fees and enhance CNG or electric bus and metro services to discourage private transport and combat air pollution. This is part of the 'Graded Response Action Plan' (GRAP) implemented during the winter season. Forecasts suggest Delhi's air quality is likely to dip and enter the 'very poor' category on October 23 and 24. The panel has invoked measures under Stage II of GRAP in addition to those already in force under Stage I.