India
Pollution in Delhi: GRAP 3 bans to be imposed from November 15 as residents suffocate | India News – Times of India
The GRAP includes specific measures to address the deteriorating air quality in the Delhi and NCR regions. GRAP is announced when the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches the ‘severe’ category, introducing several restrictions on activities that contribute to pollution, in addition to those implemented under GRAP 1 and 2.
Restrictions under phase 3:
1. A complete halt to construction and demolition activities, together with suspension of non-essential mining activities.
2. Restrictions on inter-state buses that are not electric, CNG powered or BS-VI diesel compliant.
3. Educational institutions at the primary level can switch to virtual learning platforms.
4. Improved water irrigation on main roads.
Moreover, petrol vehicles of the older emission norms BS-III and diesel vehicles of BS-IV category are not allowed on the roads in Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) such as Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad and Gautam Budh Nagar. .
Earlier today, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai had said that GRAP-3 would not be implemented as an improvement in air quality is expected.
“In this winter season, the Air Quality Index in Delhi has crossed the 400 mark for the first time in the last two days. IMD’s analysis indicates two reasons for the sudden increase in AQI in Delhi: First, snowfall in the higher reaches of the mountains there resulted in a drop in temperature and fog formation in Delhi,” Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said.
He further said: “Second, the slow wind speed. From today, wind speed is expected to increase. The maximum temperature measured today is 29 degrees Celsius. The temperature is expected to rise to 30 degrees Celsius. CAQM met yesterday and it was decided that GRAP III restrictions will not be imposed yet.”
