As Delhi’s air quality index hits a concerning 428, authorities have activated GRAP-3, imposing severe pollution control measures. This includes banning certain vehicles, limiting construction work, and ramping up dust suppression efforts to combat the hazardous levels of pollution that pose risks to both physical and cognitive health.
BY PC Bureau
Delhi has imposed stricter air pollution measures as the air quality index (AQI) entered the ‘severe’ category, triggering the activation of GRAP-3 (Graded Response Action Plan). Effective from 8 AM on Friday, this phase bans all non-essential construction and demolition work and imposes restrictions on vehicles, specifically those that do not meet the latest emissions standards.
BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles are prohibited from operating in Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region (NCR), including Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar.
Along with vehicle restrictions, diesel generators can only be used in emergencies, and construction work will be limited to critical national security or public infrastructure projects. To curb dust and particulate pollution, Delhi has ramped up the use of mechanized road-sweeping and water-sprinkling machines.
Delhi’s AQI reached an alarming 428 at 9 AM today, marking the highest pollution levels of the season. This follows two consecutive days of severe pollution, with the air quality dangerously worsening. Health experts have issued warnings, urging residents, particularly vulnerable groups, to stay indoors as the air poses risks to both physical and mental health, with long-term exposure affecting cognitive function, mood, and emotional well-being.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai had initially downplayed the need for GRAP-3, but a recent drop in temperature due to snowfall in the mountains led to dry conditions across North India, aggravating the pollution situation. As a result, the government had no choice but to activate GRAP-3, which includes measures like increased public transport services and targeted actions to tackle pollution hotspots.
GRAP-3 is part of Delhi’s multi-stage response to severe air pollution, which is activated when the AQI hits 401-450. Key measures in GRAP-3 include:
- A complete ban on non-essential construction and demolition work, except for projects related to national security, healthcare, or critical public infrastructure.
- Restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles in Delhi and NCR areas.
- Diesel generators can only be used in emergencies.
- Increased use of mechanized road-sweeping and water-sprinkling machines, alongside expanded public transport services to reduce the number of private vehicles on the road.
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) includes four stages:
- Stage 1 (AQI 201-300): Periodic road sweeping and dust control measures, along with restrictions on open waste burning.
- Stage 2 (AQI 301-400): Daily road sweeping, dust suppression at hotspots, and additional public transport services.
- Stage 3 (AQI 401-450): Bans on non-essential construction, tighter vehicle restrictions, and more aggressive dust management.
- Stage 4 (AQI >450): Severe measures, including halting truck traffic, closing schools, and limiting office capacity to 50%.
