Delhi Police has intensified vehicle inspections across the national capital to ensure compliance with Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) amid consistent ‘very poor’ quality. The checks will focus on banning the entry of diesel-operated medium and heavy goods vehicles (MGVs and HGVs) registered under BS-IV norms, non-compliant vehicles, and except those supplying essential services.
Strict implementation of GRAP Stage IV norms
Dhal Singh, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Traffic stated that non-compliant vehicles have been stopped from entering Delhi. ‘’We are making sure that the proper execution of GRAP Stage IV. Vehicles that are not following the orders are not permitted to enter the national capital,’’ Singh said to ANI.
These preventive measures have been taken to constrain pollution emitted by vehicular emissions that serve as the main source of deteriorating Delhi’s air quality.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) continued to stay under the ‘very poor category’ on Sunday with the AQI recorded at 316. The capital witnessed a dense layer of smog and many regions of Delhi were measured to have more than 300 AQI, as per SAFAR. Regions that were under ‘very poor category’ were Anand Vihar at 346, Okhla phase 2 at 319, Vivek Vihar at 338, ITO-327, Dwarka sector at 335, Bawana at 332, and R Rohini at 329.
Public raise concern
Residents raised concerns over the surging pollution levels, with many urging the government to intervene in the matter. A cyclist near India Gate expressed worry to ANI by highlighting the plight of the senior citizens and the labourers who are struggling with this severe health issue. The government should take steps to improve the situation, he added. Suggestions suggested by others were to adopt long-term solutions like converting to electric vehicles (EVs) and using advanced technologies for controlling stubble burning.