Government Takes Steps to Combat Severe Air Pollution
In response to Delhi’s deteriorating air quality, Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced on Friday that the city will introduce 106 additional cluster buses and 60 extra metro trips as part of measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-3). These steps aim to curb vehicular pollution and ease the city’s air quality crisis.
A key initiative includes launching 40 new cluster buses specifically for government employees, encouraging them to reduce the use of private vehicles. These buses will operate on routes connecting major areas such as Nehru Place, Rohini, Dwarka, Janakpuri, and Shahdara, among others.
Under the GRAP, air quality in Delhi-NCR is categorized into four stages:
- Stage 1: “Poor” AQI (201-300)
- Stage 2: “Very Poor” AQI (301-400)
- Stage 3: “Severe” AQI (401-450)
- Stage 4: “Severe Plus” AQI (above 450)
ALSO READ : New Delhi : Faces Severe Smog Stage III of GRAP Implemented
With the city’s AQI reaching hazardous levels, currently at 411, GRAP-3 restrictions are now in place. Stage 3 curbs include banning non-essential construction and demolition, as well as halting operations of stone crushers and mining activities across Delhi-NCR.
Under Stage 4, further restrictions will apply, including the suspension of inter-state buses (except for electric, CNG, and BS-VI diesel vehicles) from entering Delhi, a complete ban on construction and demolition, and a halt to mining activities. Schools may also shift to online classes for students up to Class V, and daily water sprinkling on major roads will be implemented to reduce dust.
To further mitigate air pollution, Delhi’s metro system will add 60 more trips to its schedule. Additionally, 65 dust suppression machines will be deployed by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and 200 mobile anti-smog guns will operate in shifts to sprinkle water on roads, aiming to reduce airborne pollutants.
The government has also enacted measures to control construction activities, prohibiting non-essential work and private construction projects. However, essential public and government services will continue as usual.
Minister Gopal Rai urged residents to do their part by using public transport, carpooling, cycling for short distances, and working from home when possible to help reduce pollution levels.
Gujrat: Boat with 700 kg Drugs seized, 8 ‘Iranians’ Arrested
