GRAP-III invoked in Delhi-NCR as air quality worsens ahead of Diwali
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR as a precautionary measure amid worsening air quality, days ahead of Diwali.
The decision was taken by the CAQM's Sub-Committee on GRAP and announced through the commission's official account on X on November 6. (Credits: X/Commission for Air Quality Management)
Under the existing Stage III framework, a nine-point action plan is applicable across the National Capital Region (NCR).
The measures involve restrictions on construction activities, vehicle movement and industrial operations, along with steps related to schools and offices.
One of the major measures under GRAP Stage III is a ban on several dust-generating construction and demolition activities across the NCR. These include excavation, piling, demolition, brickwork, road construction, major welding operations, painting, polishing and the movement of construction materials on unpaved roads.
However, certain construction activities linked to essential infrastructure projects will be permitted. These include railway and metro projects, airports, hospitals, national security-related projects, highways, flyovers, power transmission networks, sewage treatment plants and water supply projects, subject to pollution-control norms.
The action plan also directs the closure of stone crushers and mining activities across the NCR.
Vehicle restrictions form another key component of Stage III. Authorities have been directed to impose restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi and the districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar.
In Delhi, restrictions also apply to certain BS-IV diesel medium goods vehicles registered in the city and BS-IV diesel light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi. Vehicles carrying essential commodities or providing essential services are exempted from these restrictions.SCHOOLS, OFFICES MAY SHIFT TO HYBRID AND WORK-FROM-HOME MODE
The Stage III action plan also provides for changes in school and office operations.
State governments in the NCR and the Delhi government are required to conduct classes for students up to Class V in hybrid mode, combining physical and online classes wherever the online option is feasible. The option to attend online classes will rest with students and their guardians.
NCR state governments and the Delhi government may also decide whether public, municipal and private offices should operate with 50 per cent staff strength, with the remaining employees working from home.
The Central Government may separately take a decision on allowing work from home for employees in its offices.
The CAQM has also urged residents to use public transport, share rides, walk or cycle for shorter journeys, avoid coal and wood for heating and reduce unnecessary travel.
People whose jobs permit it have been encouraged to work from home.GURUGRAM STEPS UP ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL FIRECRACKERS
Meanwhile, the Gurugram district administration has intensified enforcement measures to curb pollution and ensure public safety during Diwali.
Under the direction of Deputy Commissioner Uttam Singh, authorities have registered FIRs in 41 cases involving illegal sale and storage of firecrackers. Large quantities of illegally stored firecrackers have also been seized.
The administration has issued notices to establishments found violating work-from-home guidelines issued under CAQM directions.
Authorities have said enforcement measures will continue to prevent activities that contribute to air pollution and safeguard public health.- EndsWith inputs from Ashutosh Mishra
