Delhi Group 3 Implemented: There are not even two days left for the festival of Diwali and the climate of Delhi-NCR has suddenly reached a very bad turn. A thick blanket of pollution has covered the entire National Capital Region including the capital, due to which it is becoming difficult for people to even breathe. Considering the seriousness of the situation, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has immediately taken a major decision and implemented the third phase of the Graded Response Action Plan in the entire NCR. The average air quality index of Delhi was recorded at 382, which falls in the very poor category. This poison mixed in the air amidst the joy of the festival has increased the concern of both the administration and the general public.
Wind conditions and rules of graph
In the system designed to monitor air quality in the capital and surrounding areas, pollution is divided into four different levels. When the index remains between 201 to 300, it is considered bad and the figure from 301 to 400 is kept in the very poor category. After this, the level of 401 to 450 is considered serious and the figure above 450 is considered very serious. In the latest situation, the figure has reached near the upper limit of the very poor category and hence as a precautionary measure, strict restrictions of the third phase have been imposed to prevent the air from becoming more poisonous before the festival.
Complete ban on construction works and dust
As soon as the rules of the third phase come into force, all work related to non-essential construction and demolition has been completely banned. This includes digging of land, filling of foundation, digging of trenches and work of open concrete preparation plants. The movement of vehicles carrying construction material like sand and cement has also been banned, especially to prevent dust from moving on unpaved roads. Apart from this, orders have been given to completely shut down stone crushers, mining operations and hot mix plants which do not run on clean fuel.
Strict surveillance on vehicle movement
Vehicles running on the roads are also a major cause of pollution, hence strict action has been taken against the movement of vehicles. There has been a ban on plying of four-wheelers with BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel in Delhi and adjoining NCR districts. Diesel buses coming from other states will also not be allowed to enter and ply in Delhi. The administration believes that these vehicles with old technology emit huge amounts of smoke, due to which the air condition deteriorates rapidly.
Instructions for children's education and offices
The worst effect of polluted air is on the health of small children and the elderly. In view of this danger, all schools up to class five have been closed and children's education has been shifted to online medium so that innocent people can be protected from poisonous air. Along with this, private companies have been advised to allow their employees to work from home or adopt hybrid model, which will reduce the pressure of vehicles on the roads and reduce smoke.
Rules of electricity and other essential services
To keep the air clean, the use of diesel generators has also been strictly monitored. Now diesel generators will not be allowed to run anywhere except for emergency and essential services. The administration has instructed all the concerned agencies to come down to the ground and strictly follow these rules so that the situation does not go out of control during Diwali.
Also read: Delhi Pollution: Strictness on pollution will increase in Delhi-NCR, possibility of implementation of GRAP-3, restrictions may be imposed on vehicles and construction works.