What is allowed and what is not – India TV

Delhi and its surroundings have been covered with thick smoke since the morning; The air quality index crossed the ‘critical’ limit and rose above 400 in many places. The Commission on Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented Phase III of the Phased Response Action Plan (GRAP) to address hazardous pollution levels. It responded by activating its phase from 8 a.m. on Thursday.

What is GRAP3?

GRAP 3 is implemented when the AQI reaches ‘critical’ (401-450) and introduces stricter pollution control measures. These activities include:

• Construction and Demolition Ban: Non-essential construction and demolition works will be banned, with the exception of national security, health and critical infrastructure projects.
• Vehicle restrictions: BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles will be banned from plying in Delhi and NCR regions (including Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Noida).
• Diesel generator restrictions: Only essential diesel generators will be allowed to operate.
• Mechanized sweeping will be increased: Road sweeping and irrigation systems will be intensified in order to prevent dust erosion.
• Public transport policy: Increase services, including differential pricing, to encourage less congested transport.

Other Stages of GRAP

The GRAP system works in four stages:

• Phase I (AQI 201-300): Includes measures such as mechanized road sweeping, reduction of dust on construction sites and stricter controls on polluting vehicles.
• Phase II (AQI 301-400): Improved road sweeping, targeted air pollution reduction and additional public transport services.
• Phase IV (AQI > 450): Severe restrictions such as stopping truck traffic, banning the construction of public infrastructure, and reducing office attendance to 50%.

Background and impact of GRAP

GRAP was first activated in Delhi in October, when air quality crossed the 300-degree mark. Previous measures have helped prevent some of the pollution, but with the AQI now in the ‘Severe’ range, more intensive measures need to be taken.

Health advice and precautions

Due to the current pollution level, residents, especially children, the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, have been advised to stay indoors, while the public has also been asked to refrain from environmentally friendly preventive behavior during festivals and outdoor events. possible.

These actions aim to reduce the negative impact of air pollution on public health and the environment, as the city is shrouded in smog.