look news india
The air quality level in the national capital Delhi and surrounding NCR areas (Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad) has fallen sharply to ‘Very Poor’ category. After the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded above 250 to 327 at several monitoring stations in Delhi, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has announced the second phase of the Graded Response Action Plan in the entire NCR i.e. GRAP-2 Has been implemented with immediate effect. In view of the dense smog in the atmosphere due to the mixture of dust particles and stubble smoke in the air, the administration has issued instructions to take precautions like a public health emergency.
The government has taken strict measures aimed at reducing vehicular pollution and traffic jams on the roads:
-
50% WFH in private and government offices: All private corporate offices and government institutions in Delhi and NCR have been advised to allow 50 percent of their employees to work from home.
-
Flexible Timing: The remaining 50 percent staff have been asked to reshuffle their travel time so that there is no heavy traffic on the roads during peak hours.
-
Use of public transport: Citizens have been appealed to limit the use of private vehicles, especially diesel cars, and travel by metro and CNG buses.
Extensive restrictions have been imposed to prevent the spread of fine particles (PM2.5 and PM10) in the air:
-
Break on construction and demolition: A complete stop has been imposed on all non-essential construction and demolition activities (Dust-generating Construction Work). Only projects related to national security, metro, railways, hospitals and emergency public facilities have been allowed to operate with strict anti-smog guns and water sprinkling conditions.
-
Anti-smog guns and sprinklers mandatory: Instructions have been given to impose heavy fines and seal the sites on builders violating dust control rules at construction sites.
-
Vacuum Sweeping of Roads: Municipal corporations have been ordered to carry out mechanical sweeping twice a day and continuous spraying of sewage-treated water on major roads.
| Restricted Activity/Area | Strict terms and conditions imposed |
| Diesel Generator (DG Sets) | Complete ban on industrial and commercial use except emergency services (hospital, metro, lift) |
| coal and firewood | Complete ban on use of coal and tandoor in hotels, restaurants, dhabas and open catering shops. |
| Non-BS-VI diesel vehicles | Strict blockade and challan on entry of non-BS-VI diesel commercial vehicles on Delhi borders |
| Garbage Burning | Zero tolerance for open burning of garbage or leaves; Close surveillance by drones and flying squads |
In view of the dangerous level of pollution in the air, health experts and pulmonologists have advised the elderly, pregnant women and heart and asthma patients to take special precautions. According to doctors, walking or outdoor workout should be completely avoided in the morning and late evening, because at this time the smog remains very close to the ground surface. Whenever it is necessary to go out of the house, use only a high quality N95 mask and use an air purifier indoors by keeping the windows closed.