Amid worsening air pollution in freezing winters, the Union government on Sunday ordered a ban on non-essential construction work and plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
The Commission for Air Quality Management, a statutory body responsible for forming air pollution reduction strategies for the region and their implementation, noted a significant rise in Delhi’s AQI due to unfavourable climatic conditions as well as other pollutants.
It was 458 at 10 AM on Sunday and 457 at 11 AM.
Anticipating a prolonged period of severe air quality, the committee decided to implement GRAP Stage-III curbs (‘severe’ air quality index (AQI) range) immediately to prevent further deterioration.
Among the works exempted from the ban include: Construction work related to national security or defence, projects of national importance, healthcare, railways, metro rail, airports, inter-state bus terminals, highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission, pipelines, sanitation and water supply.
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is the Centre’s air pollution control plan implemented in the region during the winter season.
It categorises actions into four stages: Stage I – ‘Poor’ (AQI 201-300); Stage II – ‘Very Poor’ (AQI 301-400); Stage III – ‘Severe’ (AQI 401-450); and Stage IV – ‘Severe Plus’ (AQI>450).
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said that, “GRAP-3 rule has been imposed due to the rising pollution.”
#WATCH | Delhi: On rising air pollution, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai says, "The pollutant particles are frozen due to the decreasing temperature. Two days ago, when there was wind and sunlight, the pollution had decreased. But yesterday the pollution seemed high, because… pic.twitter.com/8parKv0AY2
— ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2024