Delhi pollution: GRAP 3 curbs to be imposed as residents choke

NEW DELHI: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has announced the implementation of GRAP 3 (Graded Response Action Plan) in Delhi NCR starting tomorrow from 8am as air quality deteriorates to the ‘severe’ category.
The GRAP comprises specific measures to tackle deteriorating air quality in Delhi and NCR regions. GRAP is announced when Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches ‘severe’ category, implementing various limitations on activities that contribute to pollution in addition to the restrictions implemented under GRAP 1 and 2.
Restrictions under Stage 3:
1. A complete halt on construction and demolition activities, along with suspension of non-essential mining operations.

2. Restrictions on interstate buses that are not electric, CNG-powered or BS-VI diesel compliant.
3. Educational institutions at primary level may shift to virtual learning platforms.
4. Enhanced water sprinkling operations on principal roadways.
Additionally, petrol vehicles from the older emission norms BS-III and diesel vehicles of BS-IV category are not allowed on the roads in Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) such as Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar.

Earlier today, Delhi Environment minister Gopal Rai had said GRAP-3 would not be implemented as improvement in air quality is expected.
“In this winter season, the Air Quality Index has crossed 400 for the first time in the last two days in Delhi. IMD’s analysis states two reasons for the sudden rise in AQI in Delhi -First, snowfall in higher reaches in the mountains there resulted in a drop in temperature and formation of fog in Delhi,” said Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai.
Further he said, “Second, slow wind speed. From today, wind speed is expected to pick up. The maximum temperature recorded today is 29 degrees Celsius. The temperature is expected to rise to 30 degrees Celsius. CAQM met yesterday and it was decided that GRAP III restrictions will not be imposed yet.”