New Delhi: The Arvind Kejriwal government is going to implement the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to provide relief to people from pollution during winter in Delhi-NCR. As per the information, the first stage will be implemented when the Air Quality Index i.e. AQI is predicted to be more than 200.
At the same time, pollution is predicted to remain normal from October 1 to 3. This may continue for the next six days remain in normal condition. Having known about the bad air forecast, the authorities will hold a meeting regarding GRAP.
It should be noted that the GRAP is being implemented in the national capital since last two years from October 15. The government has made an exception this time by implementing the same from October 1. GRAP was also went through a few changes to make it more effective for controlling air pollution.
As reported earlier in an exclusive report by News24, environmentalists have suggested Delhi is going to witness the heat of stubble burning in coming 20 days as the harmful practice have already begun despite several appeal by the government.
Bhuvam Bhaskar, Senior Environmentalist said, “The capital city will be choked again in the next 20 days if the stubble burning does not stop in Punjab immediately. Not only this, in case of heavy wind the smoke could also reach Delhi soon than this.”
In Punjab and Haryana, the initial cases of stubble burning appear to be the same as last year. It has increased in the last three to four days. It is worth noting that Dusshera and Diwali will be celebrated late this year. However, burning firecrackers here may ruin the air quality in Delhi and nearby regions.
What changes will come from today?
- There is a complete ban on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR.
- Loading and unloading of construction material will not be possible in the open. Keeping construction material on road will also be restricted.
- Immediate action to be taken against vehicles emitting smoke.
- Roads will be cleaned through mechanical methods.
- If garbage is burnt or set on fire in the open, action will be taken.
- Use of diesel generator only for emergency reasons.
What is the forecast?
According to IITM Pune, pollution will remain normal till October 3. After this, pollution may remain normal for the next six days.
Stubble Burning lagerly affects Delhi-NCR air quality. The practice is common in Punjab and Haryana.
4 stages of GRAP, what will happen in them
Stage-1 (AQI 201-300)
- Diesel generator for emergency only
- Measures like anti smog guns at construction sites
- Civic agencies will clean with machines
- Blanket ban on firecrackers
Stage-2 (AQI 301-400)
- Increasing parking fees to reduce private vehicles
- Increase of CNG/electric buses, metro services
- Electric heaters will be provided to security guards
Stage-3 (AQI 401-450)
- Along with increasing public transport, implementing different fares in peak and off-peak hours
- Ban on construction other than essential projects
- There may be a ban on BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel cars
Stage-3 (AQI 401-450)
- Along with increasing public transport, implementing different fares in peak and off-peak hours
- Ban on construction other than essential projects
- There may be a ban on BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel cars
Stage-4 (AQI more than 450)
- Ban on entry of diesel trucks other than essential goods in Delhi
- 50% staff will work from home (depends on state government)
- There may be a decision to run schools, colleges and vehicles on odd-even basis