With the onset of winter, air pollution levels in the country’s capital Delhi have started to increase. On Monday, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeded 300, with the air quality reaching extremely poor levels. In view of this, the second level of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been implemented.
The Council of Air Quality Management (CAQM), the agency responsible for monitoring air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region, said in a statement on Monday that GRAP Level I has come into effect in Delhi. Apart from this, the second phase of GRAP will also be implemented in the National Capital Region (NCR), including Delhi, from 8:00 am on October 22.
In fact, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a government program aimed at controlling air pollution in the National Capital Region of Delhi. There are four levels of charts. As air quality deteriorates, i.e. AQI levels increase, the stages of GRAP increase, and the limits for each stage increase. With the implementation of Grape-II, those projects that may increase air pollution will be banned in Delhi and NCR.
In Delhi and the National Capital Territory, the first phase of GRAP will be implemented when the AQI level reaches between 201 and 300. When the AQI is between 301 and 400, the second stage of GRAP is implemented. If the AQI level is between 400 and 500, the third stage of GRAP is implemented; if the AQI is greater than 500, the fourth stage of GRAP is implemented.
Which grape class has what restrictions?
grape-1
In GRAP-1, all measures must be taken to reduce dust at construction and demolition sites. Construction projects exceeding 500 square meters require registration. Ask not to throw debris out in the open. As we work to prevent fires at garbage dump sites, trucks that do not have to go to Delhi will be diverted out of Delhi via peripheral highways. The use of coal and wood is prohibited.
grape-2
Group 2 restrictions have been increased. For example, parking fees increase and people use private cars less. In order to promote the development of public transportation, subway frequency has been increased. Diesel generators are banned and people are asked to use natural gas generators. In addition to this, various restrictions were imposed on fire, coal, etc.
Grape No. 3
In Group 3, diesel buses and trains are prohibited from entering Delhi from NCR. CNG, BS VI and electric buses are exempt from this restriction. Apart from this, this restriction also does not apply to buses or vehicles holding an Indian tourist permit. At the same time, restrictions were imposed on private construction work and less important government projects. Welding and gas cutting operations are prohibited. Cement, stucco and paint work are yet to be completed. Cutting, grinding and fixing tile, stone and flooring materials are prohibited.
Grape No. 4
In Group 4, only trucks carrying CNG, electric trucks and emergency cargo will be allowed to enter Delhi. In addition, non-Delhi registered small commercial vehicles (except EV/CNG/BS-VI diesel vehicles) are not allowed to enter Delhi. Works related to public projects such as highways, roads, flyovers, flyovers, pipelines, etc. were halted. At the same time, schools are on holiday and focus is on online learning. In addition, the office also promotes working from home.