Delhi Imposes GRAP-3 As AQI Crosses 400; What’s Allowed & What Is Not

Delhi’s pollution is getting worse by the day. On December 13, the city’s air quality index (AQI) breached the 400 mark, pushing pollution into the severe category. To tackle this, authorities have reimposed strict anti-pollution curbs. GRAP-3 restrictions are now in place, and here is what is allowed and what is not in the national capital.

What Is Not Allowed In Delhi Under GRAP-3

According to a report by Hindustan Times, Graded Response Action Plan Stage III (GRAP-3) restrictions have been reimposed in Delhi. Authorities decided to bring back strict curbs after AQI levels crossed 400 mark at around 10 am on Saturday. The sharp rise in pollution forced officials to act again to prevent air quality from worsening further. Here’s what is banned under GRAP-3 restrictions in the city: 

• All non-essential construction and demolition work has been stopped across the city. Activities such as earthwork, piling, open trenching, welding, painting, plastering, tiling, and flooring are banned.
• Operations like stone crushing, brick kilns, and mining have also been halted.
• The transportation of construction material such as cement, sand, and fly ash on unpaved roads is not allowed.
• The use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers is banned.
• Non-essential diesel-run medium goods vehicles are not permitted.
• Interstate diesel buses that do not meet CNG, electric, or BS-VI standards are also barred from entering the city.

Also Read: Mumbai Pollution: GRAP 4 Now Active To Tackle Rising AQI In THESE Areas; Here’s What It Means

What Is Allowed In The City

• Essential construction projects linked to metro, railways, airports, highways, defence, healthcare facilities, and sanitation are allowed to continue. Work on these projects will go on as usual.
• Schools will function in hybrid or online mode for students up to Class 5.
• Vehicles used by persons with disabilities are permitted.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, GRAP-4 measures have now been moved to Stage 3. This means public, municipal, and private offices will operate at 50% staff strength. Central government offices will switch to work from home when AQI levels touch 301-400. Similarly, Stage 3 measures have been shifted to Stage 2 (201-300), while Stage 2 measures now apply to Stage 1 (101-200). 

Also Read: Delhi & Mumbai’s Rising AQI Equals Smoking 7 Cigarettes Daily; Here Are 5 Tips To Stay Safe

Delhi’s air quality does not seem to be improving anytime soon. Delhiites are advised to take care, stay hydrated, and consider using air purifiers or indoor plants. Stay safe.

Cover Image Courtesy: @mohitlaws/ X and @theskindoctor13/ X