New Delhi: Before Diwali, the air in Delhi-NCR has once again started increasing people's worries. In view of the worsening pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday, November 6, implemented Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR. Along with this, many restrictions have been imposed on construction works, vehicles and industrial activities. Changes can also be made in the functioning of schools and offices.
CAQM's GRAP sub-committee took this decision after reviewing the situation. The Commission gave this information through its official X account. Under Stage III, a nine-point action plan will be implemented in the entire National Capital Region. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has appealed to the people to follow the restrictions. He said that the weather is likely to remain bad from Saturday and the wind speed will be almost zero. In such a situation, everyone should work together to reduce pollution.
Ban on construction works and mining
Under GRAP Stage III, many construction and demolition activities that cause dust will remain closed. These include activities like digging, piling, demolition of buildings, brick work, road construction, large scale welding, painting and polishing. There will also be a ban on carrying construction material on unpaved roads. However, essential projects like railways, metro, airports, hospitals, highways, flyovers, electricity networks, sewage treatment plants and water supply will be exempted with certain conditions. Construction work related to national security will also be able to continue. Apart from this, stone crusher and mining activities will remain closed in the entire NCR.
Ban on old vehicles also
In terms of vehicles, plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers has been banned in Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar along with Delhi. There will also be a ban on some BS-IV diesel medium goods vehicles and BS-IV diesel light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi. Vehicles carrying essential goods and services have been exempted.
Work may change in schools and offices
Under Stage III, the option of hybrid education will have to be implemented for children up to class five in NCR. Where online learning is possible, schools will have to adopt both online and offline methods. Parents and children will be able to opt for online classes.
State governments and Delhi government can decide to call 50 percent of the employees in government, municipal corporation and private offices and make the rest work from home. The central government can also take separate decisions for its offices.
CAQM has urged people to use public transport, car pooling and walking or cycling for short distances. They have also been asked to avoid heating with coal and wood and reduce non-essential travel.
Action on illegal firecrackers in Gurugram
On the other hand, Gurugram administration has intensified action against illegal firecrackers to prevent pollution during Diwali. On the instructions of Deputy Commissioner Uttam Singh, FIR has been registered in 41 cases of illegal sale and storage of firecrackers. A large quantity of firecrackers have also been seized. Apart from this, notices have been issued to institutions not following CAQM instructions related to work-from-home. Officials say that action will continue to stop polluting activities and protect people's health.