The havoc of pollution in Delhi has once again taken a turn and the air quality index is crossing 400. Taking action on this, CAQM has implemented GRAP-3 in Delhi-NCR region. With this, new restrictions have come into effect for the people of Delhi-NCR. In Delhi today, i.e. on 22nd December, at 5 pm, the average AQI was recorded at 413. Out of total 35 stations, AQI of 25 stations is being recorded above 400 i.e. in severe category.
There will be a ban on these works in GRAP Stage 3
Under GRAP 3, there will be a ban on construction and demolition in Delhi-NCR. Railways, metro, airport, ISBT, national security, defence, projects of national importance will get exemption. Such works which do not cause pollution like plumbing, interior decoration, electrical and carpentry etc. will also be exempted. Brick kilns, hot mix plants, stone crushers will not operate. State governments can take decisions to ban BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel cars. In industrial areas where there is no PNG infrastructure and supply, industries not using approved fuel can operate only five days a week.
Let us tell you that AQI between zero and 50 is good, 51 to 100 is ‘satisfactory’, 101 to 200 is ‘moderate’, 201 to 300 is ‘bad’, 301 to 400 is ‘very bad’ and 401 to 400 is ‘bad’. An AQI between 500 is considered ‘severe’.
Four Stages of GRAP
Under Phase-III of the Graded Response Action Plan, plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers has also been banned in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar. GRAP categorises tasks into four phases.
Phase – I of GRAP is applicable when the AQI level in Delhi is between 201-300.
The second stage of GRAP applies when the AQI is measured between 301-400.
The third phase is implemented when the AQI in Delhi is between 401-450.
The fourth phase is implemented when the AQI level in Delhi exceeds 450.
