Ban imposed again in Delhi-NCR, know which things are banned and who will get exemption?

Grap-3 Restrictions in Delhi NCR: Due to increasing air pollution in Delhi-NCR, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has ordered to re-implement GRAP-3 (Graded Response Action Plan). On Thursday, January 9, Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) reached 357, which falls in the ‘very poor’ category. Earlier on Wednesday, AQI was 297, but after a sharp decline in air quality, GRAP-3 had to be implemented.

What is GRAP-3 and why was it implemented?

GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) is an emergency measure implemented to control rising pollution. It is divided into four stages:

• Stage 1: AQI 201-300 (poor)
• Stage 2: AQI 301-400 (very poor)
• Stage 3: AQI 401-450 (severe)
• Stage 4: AQI 450+ (extremely severe)

GRAP-3 is implemented when AQI reaches between 401-450. Its objective is to control pollution and protect people from serious health hazards.

What restrictions were imposed under GRAP-3?

1. Complete ban on construction and demolition works

• Ban on non-essential construction activities.
• Prohibition on digging, earthwork, piling, drilling and boring.
• There is also a ban on open trench systems for sewer lines, water pipelines, drainage and electric cabling.

2. Restrictions and hybrid mode implemented in schools

• Hybrid mode (online + offline) applicable for students up to class 5.
• Option for parents to teach children from home.

3. Vehicle Restrictions

• Ban on operation of BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel vehicles.
• Ban on medium and heavy commercial diesel vehicles (older than BS-4) also.
• Disabled people are exempted from this restriction.

4. Ban on industrial activities

• Ban on non-essential industrial work also.
• Use of solid fuels like coal and wood prohibited.

What things are exempted?

• Vehicles and functions related to essential services (e.g. food supplies, medical services).
• Electric vehicles (EV) and CNG vehicles.
• Exemption for vehicles of disabled people.
• Government construction projects: Such as essential works related to hospitals, railways, metro and airports.

Why is Delhi’s pollution increasing?

• Cold and stagnant air: In cold weather the air becomes stagnant, causing pollutants to accumulate in the air.
• Stubble burning: Impact of stubble burning from surrounding states.
• Vehicles and construction work: Vehicle smoke and dust from construction work.

What to do after GRAP-3 is implemented?

• Wear a mask: Use a mask to avoid pollution.
• Stay indoors: Especially children and the elderly are advised to stay indoors.
• Limited use of vehicles: Use public transport.
• Air purifier: Use air purifiers in homes and offices.

What is the purpose of GRAP-3?

The main objective of GRAP-3 is to control the increasing pollution in Delhi-NCR and provide clean air to the citizens. it by:

• Control the main sources of pollution.
• Improvement in air quality.
• Protection of people’s health.