Delhi’s pollution is worsening with each passing day. The air quality in the capital has now slipped into the ‘severe’ category, recording an AQI of 413. The GRAP-III stage has been implemented across Delhi-NCR to bring pollution levels under control. Here’s everything you need to know about its rules.
Delhi Residents Wake Up To Thick Smog With 413 AQI
Delhi residents, already frustrated when the AQI was in the ‘very poor’ range, woke up to another morning covered in thick haze and smog. The air quality has dipped to the ‘severe’ category for the second day, with a reading of 413 on Wednesday. According to a report by Hindustan Times, 31 out of 39 active stations recorded ‘severe’ air quality around 7 am on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, the AQI in Delhi had increased from 362 to 429. The Delhi government immediately implemented GRAP Stage III with immediate effect from the same day. Schools in the Delhi-NCR region have been instructed to conduct hybrid classes for students up to Class 5. However, as per a report by India Today, the government has not announced a complete school shutdown yet.
Also Read: Delhi Red Fort Blast: Akasa Air, Delhi & BLR Airports Tighten Security And Issue Advisories
GRAP-III In Place Across The National Capital Region
With GRAP-III now in force, authorities have introduced a set of rules to curb rising pollution across the Delhi-NCR region. These are:
- Ban on construction and demolition activities, except for essential projects like railways and metros.
- People can use diesel generators only in cases of emergency.
- Authorities have increased road cleaning and water sprinkling to control the dust.
- BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers are also banned from plying in Delhi-NCR amid rising Delhi AQI.
GRAP, or the Graded Response Action Plan, is a step-by-step system implemented based on the AQI levels to control pollution. These stages are:
- Stage I (Poor): AQI between 201-300
- Stage II (Very Poor): AQI between 301-400
- Stage III (Severe): AQI between 401-450
- Stage IV (Severe Plus): AQI above 450
Also Read: Delhi Red Fort Blast: 8 Dead After Car Near Metro Station Explodes; Capital On High Alert
Unfortunately, AQI in Delhi is rising with each passing day. We advise residents to take extra precautions for their well-being. Wear masks, invest in air purifiers or indoor plants, eat healthy food, and avoid stepping out unless necessary. We hope the situation improves soon!
Cover Image Courtesy: @mohitlaws/ X
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