On Monday, the central air quality panel (CAQM) imposed stage 4 restrictions under GRAP 4 (Graded Response Action Plan) in the Delhi-NCR and the surrounding region.
Supreme Court’s Intervention in Delhi Air Pollution Crises
As part of the winter air pollution control measures, the Supreme Court has strictly instructed the state government and CAQM to take strict measures to curb air pollution.
Delhi air quality has deteriorated extensively, crossing the 400 mark, indicating severe pollution crises, dipping into the ‘severely+’ category. GRAP 4 was implemented in November.
However, the Supreme Court issued an order permitting CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management) to scale it back to stage 2 from December 5, noticing improvement in air quality. Nonetheless, given that Delhi’s AQI has breached the 400 mark, owing to the severely deteriorating air quality in Delhi, the stage 4 restrictions were rolled out.
The stagnant wind pattern, which traps pollutant air to the ground, has further worsened the air quality of the capital.
The GRAP 4 measure was rolled out in November in light of worsening air quality, taking into account consistently declining air pollution in Delhi and surrounding regions.
Meanwhile, schools in Noida have shifted to start from 9, and office-goers are once again adopting the hybrid mode.
GRAP 4 restrictions: Key Guidelines and Restrictive
- Restriction on On-going Projects The ban on construction activities and public projects, such as the construction of highways, roadways, flyovers, pipelines, and telecom infrastructure, including demolition activities under Stage 3, has been extended.
- Vehicle restriction Trucks are barred from entering Delhi except for those carrying essential goods and running on cleaner fuels such as CNG, LNG, LPG, BS-IV, and electricity.
- BS-IV and HVGs (Heavy Goods Vehicles) registered in Delhi are not permitted except for the essential commodities and services for transport.
- School Closures Schools in Delhi and nearby regions have adopted a hybrid learning method for classes VI to IX to XI.
- Work from Home guidelines The government has decided to adopt a hybrid work method for government officials to work at 50% strength and the rest to work from home.
- Heath Advisory Citizens, children, and the elderly, those with respiratory and cardiovascular or chronic diseases, were ordered to avoid outdoor activities and remain indoors.
What’s next for the people of Delhi?
For the last couple of months, the Delhi-NCR region and the surroundings have been in the category of polluted right next to Lahore, which was considered the most hazardously polluted city in the world.
However, recently it has surpassed Lahore with an AQI of 402, becoming one of the most polluted cities in the world. Prompting annual health warnings from medical professionals and a rush of cases from the state to the Supreme Court seeking directions to the government.
The Court questioned and criticized the Delhi government and CAQM, a central government panel, for not following restricted air-pollutant control measures, as the AQI crossed 300.
In 2024, air pollution crises remain a severe issue, with the recent study and data showing no sign of improvement. As per the AQI (Air Quality Index), 2024 has been one of the most polluted years, with cities like Delhi, Lahore, and Dhaka marking hazardous polluted cities globally.
The exorbitant pollution during winter in the Delhi-NCR region is a norm, posing various health issues and impediments in the daily routine of citizens
Yet, the people of Delhi are directed to stay updated and remain indoors until the situation gets under control.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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