Delhi faces Severe Smog Stage III of GRAP Implemented
Delhi and its neighboring regions have been engulfed in a thick blanket of smog since yesterday morning, causing the air quality index (AQI) to soar into the ‘Severe’ category, with readings exceeding 400 in several areas. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has labeled the dense early-morning smog as an “episodic event,” but with the dangerous levels of air pollution persisting, the CAQM has decided to implement Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) starting tomorrow at 8 am.
What is GRAP III?
Stage III of the GRAP is activated when the AQI reaches the ‘Severe’ category, specifically when it falls between 401 and 450. The measures in this phase are designed to curb pollution and minimize exposure to hazardous air quality. These measures include:
- Construction and Demolition Restrictions: A strict ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities, with exceptions for critical national security, healthcare, and key public infrastructure projects.
- Vehicle Restrictions: A ban on the operation of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi and parts of NCR (including Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Noida).
- Diesel Generator Restrictions: Diesel generators will be allowed only for emergency purposes.
- Industrial Restrictions: Industries operating on fuels that are not approved by the standard list will be shut down.
- Dust Control Measures: Intensified mechanized road sweeping and water sprinkling to control dust pollution.
- Public Transport Measures:- Increased frequency of public transport services, with incentives to promote off-peak travel.
- Workplace and Construction Restrictions:- Certain activities like major welding, gas-cutting, and painting will be restricted, though minor indoor repairs and maintenance will still be allowed.
Stages of GRAP
The GRAP is implemented in four stages, depending on the AQI readings:
- Stage I (AQI 201-300):
- Mechanized road sweeping and water sprinkling.
- Dust mitigation at construction sites.
- Strict vehicle emissions checks, better traffic management, and industrial emission controls.
- Ban on open burning of waste and limited use of diesel generators.
- Promotion of eco-friendly festivals and use of the Green Delhi App to report pollution.
- Stage II (AQI 301-400):
- Daily road sweeping and water sprinkling.
- Targeted actions for pollution abatement in identified hotspots.
- Enhanced public transport services, including additional CNG and electric buses.
- Increased parking fees to reduce private vehicle use.
- Stage III (AQI 401-450):
- As described above, this includes strict bans on construction and vehicle use, and additional measures to protect public health.
- Stage IV (AQI >450):
- Complete halt on truck traffic entering Delhi.
- A ban on all construction and demolition activities for public infrastructure projects.
- Discontinuation of physical classes for certain grades (VI to IX, XI).
- Restriction of government and private office attendance, allowing only 50% staff presence.
- Additional emergency measures like the closure of educational institutions, suspension of non-essential commercial activities, and the implementation of an odd-even vehicle policy.
Previous GRAP Stages
- GRAP Stage II was enforced in October 2023 when the AQI exceeded 300. The current Stage III is being implemented as the air quality has worsened further, reaching ‘Severe’ levels.
Health Advisory
As the AQI remains in the hazardous zone, experts recommend that children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or heart conditions should avoid outdoor activities and stay indoors as much as possible. It is essential for everyone to wear N95 masks and take extra precautions to limit exposure to the toxic air.
