Air pollution hits Delhi again: GRAP-4 implemented as soon as AQI reaches 441, then orders to run work from home, classes in hybrid mode

New Delhi, 13 December. Air pollution in the national capital Delhi and NCR has once again reached critical levels. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented Stage-4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Saturday evening after the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 441. This decision has been taken in view of the continuously worsening trend of pollution.

According to the press update issued by CAQM, Delhi’s AQI was recorded at 431 at 4 pm on Saturday, which increased to 441 in just two hours. This was the worst level this year. The Commission said that pollution has increased rapidly due to very low wind speed, stability in the atmosphere, adverse weather conditions and lack of dispersion of pollutants. Keeping this in mind, all the provisions of GRAP-4 have been implemented with immediate effect in the entire NCR.

GRAP-Ban will be applicable on these things under section 4

With the implementation of GRAP-4, strict restrictions have been imposed in the capital and surrounding areas. There has been a complete ban on all types of construction activities in Delhi and NCR. Stone crushers have been ordered to be closed across the NCR. Mining and all related activities have been banned. Apart from this, a strict ban has been imposed on the running of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi and Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar.

Classes will run in hybrid mode

On the other hand, the Education Department has given orders to run classes in hybrid mode. The Directorate of Education issued an order saying that classes will be conducted in hybrid mode for students from nursery to 9th and 11th. This order will be applicable in DOE, NDMC, MCD and Delhi Cantonment Board and private schools.

Instructions to school heads

The Directorate has directed school heads to conduct classes in hybrid mode i.e. both physical and online mode (wherever online mode is possible) with immediate effect until further orders. Apart from this, all school heads have been instructed to immediately convey this information to the parents. All DDEs have also been asked to visit schools in their jurisdiction to ensure smooth implementation of the above instructions.

Work from home in offices

At the same time, Delhi government has ordered the offices to work at 50 percent capacity and the remaining staff has been asked to work from home. The instructions will apply to government as well as private offices. This order has been issued under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to reduce vehicular movement and prevent pollution. However, all administrative secretaries and heads of departments will come to office regularly.

Strict orders to private offices

In the order, it has also been suggested to implement different working hours for all private institutions. Apart from this, private offices have been asked to strictly follow work from home rules. Instructions have also been given to reduce the movement of vehicles related to commuting to office.

Work from home will not apply to these

Work from home orders will not apply to government and private hospitals. Fire services, prisons, public transport, electricity, water, sanitation and related municipal services have also been exempted from work from home. Work from home will also not be applicable to departments and agencies engaged in disaster management, air pollution control, surveillance and enforcement activities as well as other essential and emergency services.

Alert to agencies, strict instructions

CAQM has directed the pollution control boards of Delhi-NCR and other concerned agencies to further intensify preventive measures to stop pollution, so that the situation does not worsen. Along with GRAP-4, all the restrictions of GRAP Stage-1, 2 and 3 will also remain in force as before.

It is noteworthy that GRAP-4 is implemented in the category of ‘Severe+ Air Quality’. Although according to the official standard this stage applies to AQI above 450, CAQM has taken this step as a precautionary measure in view of the current trend and rapidly deteriorating situation.