GRAP-3 kicks in: Delhi chokes under toxic air, strict restrictions slapped

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The air pollution situation in the national capital, Delhi, has once again become extremely alarming. The air is so toxic that the entire city appears to be turning into a gas chamber. The capital's Air Quality Index (AQI) has once again crossed the dangerous level of 400, placing many areas in the red zone. The situation is worst in Wazirpur, where the AQI was recorded at 443, which falls in the "severe" category. In view of this sudden and sharp decline in air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has taken a tough decision and implemented the third phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), i.e. GRAP-3, in Delhi-NCR with immediate effect.

Under GRAP-3, implemented to control pollution levels, several strict restrictions have been imposed in the capital. Construction work has been most severely affected. The administration has completely banned non-essential construction and demolition activities. Under this, works such as earthworks, welding, painting, plastering, tiling, and flooring will be prohibited. Additionally, the operation of ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants and the transportation of construction materials such as cement, sand, and fly ash will also be halted. However, essential projects of national importance related to metro, railways, airports, defense, and healthcare have been allowed to continue work with strict dust control measures. Furthermore, stone crushers and mining activities will also be completely banned.

In view of the increasing pollution on the roads, stricter rules have also been implemented on the movement of vehicles. The plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers (LMVs) has now been banned in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar. Entry of old diesel cargo vehicles will also be banned within Delhi, although vehicles supplying essential goods will be exempted. Additionally, the use of diesel generator sets has also been completely banned except for emergency services.

In light of the pollution threat, guidelines have also been issued for schoolchildren and office-goers. All schools up to grade 5 have been ordered to suspend physical classes and switch to hybrid or online mode. Meanwhile, offline classes will continue for students in higher grades, but they will be required to follow other precautions, including wearing masks. Additionally, public, municipal, and private offices may impose a 50% staff attendance limit, while the remaining employees will be allowed to work from home (WFH). Instructions have been given to increase mechanical cleaning, water sprinkling, and the use of anti-smog guns on roads to prevent dust. Metro and bus frequency will also be increased to encourage people to use public transport more frequently.