Delhi Chokes as Air Quality Plummets: GRAP III Restrictions Enforced
Delhi faces severe air pollution, GRAP III enforced with school closures, vehicle bans, and construction halts
Delhi enforces GRAP III amid severe pollution, schools shut, vehicles banned, and construction halted
Delhi is grappling with hazardous air pollution, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing 400 in several areas, falling into the Severe category. This crisis has prompted the government to enforce Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP III), introducing strict measures to curb emissions and dust pollution.
Current Situation
On November 15, Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) woke up to thick smog and alarmingly high AQI levels. Visibility has dropped significantly, and residents face health warnings due to the toxic air.
Worst-hit areas include:
- Anand Vihar: AQI 441
- Dwarka Sector 8: AQI 444
- Jahangirpuri: AQI 458
This Severe air quality poses serious health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
Restrictions Under GRAP III
To address the crisis, the following restrictions and measures are now in effect across Delhi and NCR:
- Schools:
Primary schools have been shut, with classes shifted online to protect children from harmful air. - Public Transport Boost:
- Delhi Metro has introduced 20 extra trips daily, adding to the 40 trips implemented under GRAP II.
- A total of 60 additional metro trips are now operational to reduce reliance on private vehicles.
- Vehicle Ban:
- BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles are banned in Delhi and NCR cities, including Gurugram and Ghaziabad.
- Violators will be fined ₹20,000.
- Only electric, CNG, and BS-VI vehicles are allowed to ply.
- Construction and Demolition Halt:
- All non-essential construction and demolition activities are stopped.
- Projects related to national infrastructure and healthcare are exempt.
- Dust Control Measures:
- Water sprinkling on roads and intensified mechanical road sweeping are underway to curb dust pollution.
- Diesel Generator Ban:
- Diesel generators are permitted only for emergency uses, such as hospitals.
Read more: Man Killed in Noida After Dispute Over Scarf at Meat Shop
What is GRAP III?
An approach to reducing air pollution that is dependent on AQI values is the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). It has four stages, each with specific measures:
- Stage I (Poor): AQI 201-300 – Light restrictions like encouraging public transport.
- Stage II (Very Poor): AQI 301-400 – Additional measures like halting certain construction activities.
- Stage III (Severe): AQI 401-450 – Stricter steps including vehicle bans, construction halts, and public transport boosts.
- Stage IV (Severe Plus): AQI above 450 – Emergency actions such as school closures, banning all private vehicles, and shutting down industries.
Currently, Stage III is in effect, focusing on reducing emissions from vehicles, construction, and industries.
Political Blame Game
The worsening pollution has sparked a political debate. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused Delhi’s Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, of failing to address the crisis, demanding his resignation. In response, Rai blamed neighboring states for their inability to control stubble burning, a significant contributor to Delhi’s pollution.
Health and Safety Advice for Residents
The ongoing pollution crisis is a reminder of the urgent need for collective action and sustainable practices. Residents are urged to:
- Use public transport instead of private vehicles.
- Avoid outdoor activities, especially during early mornings and evenings.
- Put on a N95 mask to reduce your exposure to contaminants.
- Use air purifiers indoors and keep windows closed to prevent smog from entering.
A Call for Sustainable Solutions
Delhi’s pollution emergency highlights the pressing need for long-term solutions. Strict enforcement of anti-pollution measures, coupled with efforts to curb stubble burning and promote clean energy, is crucial to ensuring a healthier future.
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