- Pollution wreaks havoc in Delhi-NCR even before Diwali
- Delhi's AQI reaches 382
- Air quality at critical levels
New Delhi : Even before Diwali, air pollution in Delhi-NCR has taken a serious turn. Air quality has deteriorated with the Air Quality Index (AQI) approaching 400. AQI in the capital Delhi was recorded at 382. Against this backdrop, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented the third phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR. Due to this, restrictions have been imposed on constructions, vehicular traffic and industrial activities.
Unnecessary construction and demolition works are banned under GRAP-III. Excavation of soil, piling for foundations, trenching and some activities in readymix concrete projects will also remain closed. There will also be restrictions on movement of construction materials like sand, cement. Stone crushers, mining and polluting hotmix projects have been directed to shut down. The use of BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel four-wheelers has been banned in Delhi-NCR. Even inter-state diesel buses will not be allowed to enter Delhi. There will also be restrictions on the use of diesel generators except for essential services.
Online classes of schools
Considering the effect of pollution on children's health, schools up to fifth grade have been closed and instructions have been given to take online classes. Private companies have been advised to adopt a work-from-home or mixed mode of operation for employees. GRAP has four stages according to the intensity of pollution.
Possibility of a preventive decision by the Commission
The first stage applies when the AQI is 201 to 300, the second stage is 301 to 400, the third stage is 401 to 450 and the fourth stage is applied if it is above 450. However, taking into account the forecast and situation of pollution, the Commission can take preventive decisions. In the background of Diwali, a big challenge of pollution control in Delhi is facing the administration.
FAQ
1. How serious is the air pollution in Delhi?
Air pollution in Delhi-NCR has reached critical levels even before Diwali, with Delhi's AQI recorded at 382.
2. Which GRAP phase has been implemented in Delhi-NCR?
The Commission on Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented Phase III of GRAP.
3. What works are prohibited under GRAP-3?
There are restrictions on unnecessary construction and demolition, soil excavation, piling for foundations, trenching and certain works in readymix concrete projects.