The Centre’s air quality panel has activated the third phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-3) in Delhi-NCR due to a significant rise in pollution levels. This decision was prompted after the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed into the ‘very poor’ category on Monday.
As a result, stringent measures have been enforced to curb air pollution, including a complete ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities.
This move comes as the city faces a cold wave, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) recording a minimum temperature of 4.5°C on Monday morning. Temperatures dropped even further in some areas, reaching 3.5°C in Pusa and 4.1°C in Ayanagar.
The combination of low temperatures and poor air quality has exacerbated the pollution levels, creating a more challenging situation for residents.
Under the GRAP-3 guidelines, a series of measures are now in effect. Petrol vehicles that do not meet the BS-III emission standards, along with diesel vehicles failing to comply with BS-IV standards, are banned from entering Delhi and surrounding areas such as Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar.
These steps aim to reduce vehicular emissions, which significantly contribute to pollution during the winter months.
Additionally, the ban on construction work now extends to all non-essential projects, though exceptions are made for national security, healthcare, and specific public infrastructure projects.
Efforts to control dust pollution have been intensified with the deployment of mechanized road sweepers and water sprinklers across the city.
Diesel generator sets, another major source of air pollution, will only be allowed for emergency use during this phase.
These measures are designed to reduce the release of particulate matter and other pollutants, which can severely impact public health, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions.
As of 9 am on Monday, Delhi recorded an AQI of 351, indicating ‘very poor’ air quality, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. The AQI scale ranges from zero to 50 (good) to 401 to 500 (severe).
Authorities have forecast a slight improvement in weather conditions, with a maximum temperature expected to rise to around 23°C. However, the cold wave is expected to persist, hindering the dispersion of pollutants and leading to continued poor air quality.
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