Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has reintroduced GRAP-III restrictions across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) due to worsening air quality and unfavorable meteorological conditions. The decision follows rising pollution levels, with the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 366 on Monday afternoon, classified as ‘very poor.’
Key Measures Under GRAP-III:
1.Hybrid Class Mode for Schools:
Schools in Delhi-NCR must switch to a hybrid model for students up to Class V, allowing parents to choose between online and in-person classes.
2.Vehicle Restrictions:
•Diesel-powered commercial vehicles with engines below BS-IV certification are banned, except those used for emergency or essential services.
•Goods carriers registered outside Delhi with sub-BS-IV engines are prohibited from entering the city.
3.Staggered Office Timings:
Government offices in Delhi and neighboring states will stagger working hours. The central government is likely to follow suit for its offices in the capital.
Rising Air Pollution:
Delhi’s air quality has worsened significantly over the past week. The AQI, which stood at 233 (‘moderate’) on December 7 and 211 three days prior, has spiked to 366. Last month, the city frequently experienced ‘severe’ air quality levels, prompting annual health advisories and public outcry.
Supreme Court’s Intervention:
The Supreme Court has been closely monitoring the air quality crisis, holding hearings on farm fires, polluting vehicles, and ineffective bans on construction activities. Criticizing the authorities, the court questioned the delay in enforcing stricter measures when the AQI crossed the 300-mark.
The court also condemned the post-Diwali pollution surge caused by the illegal use of firecrackers, stating, “No religion encourages any activity which creates pollution.”
Background on GRAP Measures:
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) comprises four stages of anti-pollution measures, ranging from advisory-level restrictions to stringent curbs. Last week, the Supreme Court allowed the CAQM to relax GRAP-IV restrictions, citing improved air quality. However, the latest deterioration has forced the reimplementation of GRAP-III.
Impact on Public Life:
The restrictions are expected to disrupt daily life, particularly for school children and commercial operations. However, they aim to mitigate the city’s severe air pollution crisis, which poses significant health risks to residents.
