Strictest pollution curbs under GRAP-4 back in Delhi as air quality worsens
Stricter anti-pollution curbs under stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) were imposed in Delhi-NCR to combat worsening air pollution levels.
Unfavourable meteorological conditions, combined with vehicle emissions, paddy-straw burning, and other local pollution sources, have led to hazardous air quality levels in Delhi-NCR during winters.
With the cold conditions, the air quality dipped in the national capital today. Following this, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) decided to immediately implement all measures under Stage-3 (Severe) and Stage-4 (Severe+) of the air pollution control plan. This action comes in addition to the existing measures of Stage-1 and 2, already in effect across the National Capital Region.
As per the Supreme Court’s directives, Stage-3 measures are triggered when the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches 350, and Stage-4 comes into force when AQI crosses 400. Delhi’s AQI reached 386 today, falling under the ‘Very Poor’ category (301-400), according to the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) daily bulletin.
The Sub-Committee highlighted a significant rise in pollution levels, with AQI jumping from 275 on January 14 to 393 by 5.00 PM and 396 by 6.00 PM today. This surge is attributed to dense fog, low temperatures, and poor atmospheric conditions that hinder the dispersion of pollutants.
Forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) suggest the AQI could soon cross the 400 mark.
To tackle the worsening air quality, CAQM has enforced the 9-point action plan under Stage-III and the 7-point action plan under Stage-IV across the NCR.
CURBS IN PLACE IN DELHI
Under stage-3 restrictions, there is a ban on constructions activities like excavation, masonry work, road construction etc, and all demolition activities. All mining and associated activities are shut, as are operations of stone crushers in Delhi-NCR.
There are restrictions on plying of BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar. Under stage 4, trucks, except those carrying essential commodities, are barred entry into Delhi.
Apart from this, government may take call on discontinuing physical classes and switch to online mode for Classes 6-9 and Class 11. Likewise, the state governments can take a decision on work from home call for its employees, as well as imposition of odd-even rule for vehicles.
The concerned agencies, including state Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), have been directed to implement these measures promptly and strictly.