New Delhi : Smog hangs thick over Delhi and NCR, and the respective air quality index has gone over 400 in several areas. This morning, the CAQM described this smog as an “episode of bad air” but recognized the “severe” AQI level. The CAQM has put in place GRAP Stage III, Graded Action Response Plan, starting at 8 am tomorrow.
What is GRAP Stage III?
GRAP is divided into four stages according to the degree of AQI levels, and Stage III is activated when AQI touches 401-450, or ‘Severe.’ The steps proposed under Stage III are supposed to curb pollution through restrictions in construction, transportation, and industry.
Restrictions Under GRAP Stage 3:
- Construction & Demolition: All types of construction and demolition work are strictly prohibited except for critical projects undertaken under national security, health, and public infrastructure.
- Vehicle Bans: BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles are banned in Delhi and parts of NCR including Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad.
- Industrial Bans: Only industries which employ authorized fuels are allowed, and diesel generator sets are allowed only for emergencies.
- Dust Management: More mechanized sweeping of roads and water sprinkling should be done to reduce dust.
- Public Transport: Services have been improved, hence oriented to discourage private vehicle use, with peak hour surcharges, differential pricing between off-peak travel, etc .
- Specific Bans: Welding and gas-cutting operations are banned except for minor indoor repairs. Some painting, polishing, and tile-cutting activities are banned.
The Larger Picture of GRAP
GRAP has four stages: Stage I for “Poor” AQI (201-300), Stage II for “Very Poor” (301-400), Stage III for “Severe” (401-450), and Stage IV for “Severe Plus” (over 450). Each stage adds to a stricter level of restrictions to control air pollution.
After Stage III came into effect, the government put in place Stage II, which had already kicked in from October when the AQI breached 300. The fresh set of curbs puts on record a fresh commitment from the government towards the cause of Delhi’s de-pollution during the winter smog period.
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