As air pollution levels in Delhi reached the ‘severe’ category, the city has activated stricter measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-3) to reduce pollution. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) announced the activation of GRAP-3 from Friday morning, aiming to curb rising pollution levels.
This phase enforces a ban on older petrol and diesel vehicles and suspends non-essential construction work, among other measures.
Key Restrictions Under GRAP-3
- Vehicle Bans: Petrol vehicles meeting only BS-III standards and diesel vehicles with BS-IV standards are restricted from the roads in Delhi and several NCR cities, including Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar.
- Construction and Demolition Ban: All non-essential construction and demolition work is prohibited. Projects essential for national security, healthcare, and specific public infrastructure are exempt.
- Increased Dust Control: More mechanized road-sweeping and water-sprinkling machines are being deployed to control dust, a significant pollutant in the city.
- Diesel Generators: Diesel generators are restricted to emergency uses only.
Health Advisory for Residents
Doctors have advised Delhi residents to stay indoors as much as possible, especially during early morning and late evening when pollution levels tend to be highest. According to Dr. Arunesh Kumar, a senior respiratory consultant at Paras Health, wearing an N95 mask when going outside can reduce exposure to harmful pollutants. Indoors, he recommends using a HEPA air purifier to minimize particulate matter.
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Severe air pollution can impact physical health, mood, and cognitive well-being, making it essential to follow these guidelines, especially for those with existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
Why Has Delhi’s AQI Worsened?
Delhi’s AQI spiked above 400 for the first time this season, with a reading of 428 recorded at 9 am on Friday. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai attributes the increase to recent snowfall in northern mountainous regions, which has contributed to a drop in temperature. This colder weather has led to more stagnant and dry air, trapping pollutants closer to the ground and worsening air quality across north India.
