New Delhi: Delhiites have been facing poor air quality for the last two days. The Center’s air pollution control panel has asked nearby state governments in the region to implement stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to mitigate increasing air pollution in the national capital.
Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) on Tuesday morning stood at 281 on, ranking it seventh most polluted city across the nation. The air quality deteriorated due to the Dussehra and other festivals, which contributed a lot in surging air pollution.
The Delhi government may implement several stages of GRAP; the first stage is set to come into effect in Delhi-NCR at 8 am. Restrictions in GRAP stage 1 has been given below:
There should be regular sweeping and water sprinkling on roads. Control of dust is essential at the construction sites. Proper arrangement of waste management is necessary. Checking of polluting vehicles and industries. Total ban on open waste burning and use of diesel generators in limitation. Reduce the traffic flow as much as possible.
If pollution levels increase and AQI reaches between 301 and 400, then stage 2 will be implemented. In this situation, daily sweeping of roads, targeting air pollution control in hotspots, and encouraging to use public transport.
In the condition of stage 3 (AQI 401-450), then strict measures will be implemented, such as stopping mining and stone-crushing activities, imposing bans on several kinds of vehicles, and schools for children up to class 5 may be closed.
Stage 4 (AQI above 450): in this condition, most of the construction activities will be banned in Delhi, trucks and other heavy vehicles may be restricted from entering Delhi, and the introduction of odd-even vehicle schemes is likely to be started.
