Will pollution be controlled after the 3rd stage ban of GRAP? Delhi-NCR’s air still ‘very bad’, know AQI
Pollution is increasing rapidly in Delhi for the last few days. The air of the capital is ready to reach from very bad to critical condition. Meanwhile, the Central Government’s Air Quality Committee on Saturday directed the government officials in the Capital Region (NCR) to immediately implement the restrictions under phase three of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
In view of this, now there will be a complete ban on all types of construction and demolition activities except for essential projects. Apart from this, many restrictions have been implemented including brick kilns, mining and related activities. In the new order issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), it has been said that in view of the deteriorating air quality of the National Capital Region, the Air Quality Management in the NCR and adjoining areas (CAQM) to take action under the Graded Response Action Plan of the Commission. The sub-committee held an emergency meeting. After which this decision was taken.
what is the condition of the air today
The Average Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi was recorded at 373 at around 6 am on October 30, which falls in the very poor category. Although it is a little better than Saturday. The AQI has reached the severe category at 4 places including Delhi’s Anand Vihar. Apart from this, the shadow of smog was also seen on the roads in the early morning. According to the data of the Central Pollution Control Board, the highest AQI in Delhi, (470) on October 30, was recorded in Anand Vihar. Let us know the condition of different areas.
AQI between zero to 50 is good, 51 to 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 to 200 ‘moderate’, 201 to 300 ‘poor’, 301 to 400 ‘very poor’ and 401 to An AQI between 500 is considered ‘severe’.
As per CAQM, GRAP is applied in four categories
Stage 1-AQI level between 201 to 300
Stage 2-AQI level between 301 to 400
Stage 3-AQI level between 401 to 450
Stage 4-AQI level above 450
These restrictions are imposed on Stage 1
Instructions will be applicable regarding the management of dust and debris from construction and demolition.
Water will be sprinkled to prevent the dust from flying on the roads.
There will be a ban on burning garbage in the open. Doing so will attract a fine.
Where there is more traffic, there will be deployment of traffic police.
The rules of PUC will be strictly implemented. Vehicles will not run without PUC.
There will be minimum power cuts in NCR. Diesel generator will not be used for electricity.
These restrictions are imposed on Stage 2
Roads will be cleaned every day. Whereas, water will be sprinkled every other day.
Coal or tandoor will not be used in hotels or restaurants.
Except in places like hospitals, rail service, metro service, diesel generator will not be used anywhere else.
For people to use public transport more and more, the parking fee will be increased.
The frequency of electric or CNG buses and metro service will be increased.
These restrictions are imposed on stage 3
Roads will be cleaned every day. There will also be water sprinkling.
The construction and demolition activity will stop in entire Delhi-NCR except in some places like hospital, rail service, metro service.
Industries that do not run on fuel will also shut down. Milk-dairy units and industries-factories making medicines and medicines will be exempted.
Mining will also stop in Delhi-NCR. The work of stone crushers and brick kilns will also stop.
There may be restrictions on cars running on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel.
These restrictions are on stage 4
Entry of trucks will be closed in Delhi. Only trucks carrying essential goods will be able to come.
Ban on plying of registered medium and heavy good vehicles in Delhi. Vehicles carrying essential goods will be exempted.
Cars running on registered diesel will be banned in Delhi. Only BS VI engine vehicles and vehicles engaged in essential services will be exempted.
Industries and factories will be closed. There will also be a ban on construction and demolition activities. Only the construction of highways, roads, flyovers, bridges, pipelines will continue.
Only 50% of the employees will be able to come to the state government offices in NCR. The rest will work from home. The central government will decide the employees of the center.
The government will take a decision on the closure or continuation of schools, colleges or educational institutions and non-essential commercial activities.