Pollution in Delhi-NCR has once again raised concerns. The air in the country’s capital and its surrounding cities reached the Very Poor category. The air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 334 in Delhi-NCR on Tuesday morning. In view of this, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented the second phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) i.e. GRAP-2 in the entire NCR with immediate effect. Due to adverse weather conditions, there is little hope of getting relief from pollution in the coming days. In such a situation, everything from cleaning of roads, water sprinkling to monitoring of vehicles and industries will be increased.
deteriorated rapidly in two days Delhi air of
During the last two days in Delhi pollution The level has increased rapidly. On October 31, the AQI of the capital was 117, which falls in the moderate category. After this, on November 1, it increased to 261 and the air went into poor category. AQI was recorded at 324 at 4 pm on Monday, November 2. With this the air reached very poor category. Instead of improving, the air quality worsened on Tuesday morning.
The Air Quality Management Commission has attributed the increase in pollution to adverse weather conditions. According to the Commission, AQI may remain in the very poor category in the coming days also. Even in the forecasts of the Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), there is no indication of improvement in air quality at present.
Increased strictness due to implementation of GRAP-2
After the implementation of GRAP-2, many measures will be intensified to prevent pollution in Delhi-NCR. The Commission has directed all concerned agencies to strictly follow the rules of the first and second phases of GRAP. Under this, municipal bodies have been instructed to increase the cleaning of roads with machines, to sprinkle water regularly to prevent dust and to use anti-smog guns as per need. Along with domestic waste, proper collection and disposal of debris from construction and demolition will also have to be ensured. Action will be taken against those who burn garbage in the open.
Keep an eye on polluting vehicles
To reduce pollution, special attention is also being given to the traffic system. The deployment of traffic police has been increased at major intersections and busy roads, so that jams do not arise. Smoke emanating from vehicles stuck in traffic also increases pollution, hence emphasis is being laid on keeping the traffic smooth. Apart from this, the checking of Pollution Control Certificate (PUC) of vehicles has been intensified. Action is being taken against vehicles from which excessive smoke is seen coming out. The restrictions applicable on old petrol and diesel vehicles are also being strictly followed.
Ban on use of coal and wood
Under GRAP-2, inspection of industries, brick kilns and power plants has also been increased. Officials have been asked to ensure that these establishments strictly follow pollution control rules and use only approved fuel. Hotels, restaurants and roadside food shops are also under surveillance. They have been asked to stop using coal and wood in tandoor and use appliances that run on electricity or gas.
When and how is the GRAP phase implemented?
GRAP i.e. Graded Response Action Plan is an emergency system to deal with pollution. Under this, as the air quality deteriorates, restrictions and control measures are implemented at different stages. GRAP-1: Applies when AQI is between 201 and 300. This is considered a bad category. GRAP-2: Applicable when AQI is between 301 to 400. This is a very bad category. GRAP-3: Applicable when AQI is between 401 to 450. This is called serious category. GRAP-4: Applied when AQI goes above 450.
The Air Quality Management Commission had changed the rules of GRAP in September. Under this, the scope of some vehicle restrictions applicable during GRAP-3 has been extended to Sonipat in Haryana. Earlier, these restrictions on BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel or older light motor vehicles were applicable in Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar. After amendment, Sonipat was also included in this list. At present, considering the weather conditions in Delhi-NCR, the administration has given instructions to intensify monitoring and action to control pollution.
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