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Delhi, the capital of India, has been grappling with a severe air pollution crisis, leading to the implementation of stricter anti-pollution measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-3). The move comes after the city's air quality index (AQI) reached the 'severe' category, prompting authorities to take decisive action to curb the worsening pollution levels.
Under GRAP-3, a range of restrictions have been imposed, including a complete ban on all non-essential construction and demolition work. This ban, however, excludes projects deemed crucial for national security, healthcare, and certain public infrastructure initiatives. Additionally, the use of diesel generator sets has been restricted to emergency situations only.
To further mitigate the impact of dust, the authorities have deployed more mechanized road-sweeping and water-sprinkling machines. These measures are aimed at reducing the amount of dust particles suspended in the air, a major contributor to the city's air pollution problem.
One of the most significant measures implemented under GRAP-3 is the ban on older vehicles from the roads. Petrol vehicles adhering to the older emission norms BS-III and diesel vehicles complying with BS-IV standards are prohibited from operating within Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region (NCR), including Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar.
The decision to implement GRAP-3 came after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) assessed the worsening air quality situation. Delhi's AQI reached a concerning level of 428, placing it in the 'severe' category. The city reported the worst AQI in the country on Wednesday, marking the first time this season that air quality reached this critical threshold.
The deteriorating air quality has raised serious concerns among health experts, who are urging residents to take precautions to protect themselves. Doctors recommend staying indoors as much as possible, particularly during the early morning and late evening hours when air quality typically deteriorates.
Dr Arunesh Kumar, a senior respiratory medicine consultant at Paras Health in Gurugram, highlighted the need to limit outdoor activities to safeguard the body from the harmful effects of air pollution, especially in the post-festive season. He emphasized the importance of wearing N95 masks when venturing outdoors, as these masks can effectively filter out harmful particulate matter.
Additionally, Dr Kumar advised using HEPA air purifiers indoors to significantly reduce the concentration of particulate matter within homes. These measures are crucial for mitigating the health risks associated with severe air pollution, which can have detrimental impacts on both physical and cognitive well-being.
Delhi's struggle with air pollution is a persistent issue, and the implementation of GRAP-3 reflects the government's commitment to addressing this environmental crisis. The effectiveness of these measures will be closely monitored, and further actions may be taken if the situation worsens. Public awareness and cooperation are vital in curbing air pollution and ensuring a healthier environment for the citizens of Delhi.
Source: Construction Halted, Buses Restricted: Stricter Anti-Pollution Measures In Delhi