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Delhi and its surrounding areas have been enveloped in a thick smog since the previous morning, causing a significant decline in air quality to the 'Severe' category. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has surpassed 400 in several locations, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to activate Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This decision comes after an early-morning dense smog event, deemed an "episodic event" by the CAQM, which initially predicted improvement by the day. The implemented measures are set to take effect at 8 am the following day.
GRAP III, the third phase of anti-pollution measures, is implemented when the AQI reaches 'Severe' (401 to 450). It includes a series of stringent restrictions aimed at curbing pollution. Key measures include a strict ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities, with exemptions granted for projects critical to national security, healthcare, and select public infrastructure initiatives. Additionally, the operation of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers is prohibited in Delhi and surrounding areas such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Noida.
Further restrictions encompass the use of diesel generator sets, limited to emergency purposes only. Industrial operations not adhering to a standard list of approved fuels are banned. To mitigate dust, mechanized road sweeping and water sprinkling are intensified. Public transport services are amplified, and off-peak travel is encouraged through differential rates. Significant welding and gas-cutting operations are halted, while minor welding activities for MEP (Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing) work are permitted. Painting, polishing, varnishing, cementing, plastering, tiling, flooring, and waterproofing activities are restricted, with exceptions for minor indoor repairs and maintenance. The movement of vehicles carrying construction materials on unpaved roads is also prohibited.
The GRAP framework, implemented during the winter season, encompasses four stages: Stage I ('Poor' AQI 201-300), Stage II ('Very Poor' AQI 301-400), Stage III ('Severe' AQI 401-450), and Stage IV ('Severe Plus' AQI above 450). Each stage corresponds to a specific set of measures designed to address the escalating severity of air pollution. GRAP II was previously enforced in Delhi in October when air quality levels exceeded 300.
Prior to Stage III, GRAP Stage I, enacted during AQI levels of 201-300, involves measures such as periodic mechanized sweeping and water sprinkling on roads, dust mitigation at construction sites, proper waste management, strict checks on polluting vehicles, improved traffic management, emission controls in industries, power plants, and brick kilns, bans on open burning of waste, limited use of diesel generators, no use of coal or firewood in eateries, quick redressal of complaints through designated apps, encouragement of unified commutes for employees, and advisory to celebrate festivals in an eco-friendly manner by avoiding firecrackers. GRAP Stage 2, implemented during an AQI of 301-400, expands upon these measures, including daily mechanized sweeping and water sprinkling, targeted action against pollution hotspots, uninterrupted power supply, enhanced vehicle parking fees, electric heaters for security staff, and augmentation of CNG/electric bus and metro services.
GRAP Stage 4, activated when the AQI surpasses 450, necessitates the implementation of even more stringent measures. The specific details of Stage IV measures are not outlined in the provided article.
Source: GRAP 3 In Delhi Explained: What Is Banned, What Is Allowed