Delhi's Air Quality Turns 'Severe', Non-Essential Construction Banned As GRAP Stage-III Comes Into Effect

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Thursday implemented the GRAP-III restrictions in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) as the air quality continues to deteriorate.

"Keeping in view the prevailing trend of air quality, in an effort to prevent further deterioration of the air quality, the CAQM decides that ALL actions as envisaged under stage III of the GRAP -'Severe' Air Quality (DELHI AQI ranging between 401-450) be implemented in right earnest by all the agencies concerned in the NCR, with immediate effect, in addition to the stage I and II actions already in force," CAQM said.

What are GRAP Stage-III restrictions?

GRAP Stage-III restrictions include NCR State governments/GNCTD to impose strict restrictions on plying of BS III petrol and BS IV diesel LMVs (4 wheelers) in Delhi and in the districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Budh Nagar.

GRAP Stage-III restrictions include closing down operations of stone crushers, closing down all mining and associated activities in the NCR, and strict ban on construction and demolition activities in the entire NCR (except certain categories of projects).

Can schools function?

State governments in NCR and GNCTD may take a decision on discontinuing physical classes in schools for children up to Class V and conducting classes in an online mode'.

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The AQI from 0 to 100 is considered 'good', while from 100 to 200, it is 'moderate'; from 200 to 300, it is 'poor'; from 300 to 400, it is said to be 'very poor' and from 400 to 500 or above it is considered 'severe'.

How air pollution is reducing visibility

The skies of Delhi were also filled with a smoky haze on Thursday, reducing the visibility.

#WATCH | 'Very Poor' air quality reduces visibility in Delhi today

Visuals from near Akshardham temple pic.twitter.com/6xjfilPxMX

¡ª ANI (@ANI) November 2, 2023

An official from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that the visibility was reduced to just 500 metres at the Safdarjung Observatory around 7 am, gradually improving to 800 metres as temperatures increased during the day.

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Scientists have warned of a spike in pollution levels in Delhi-NCR over the next two weeks.

What doctors are saying

Health professionals have expressed concerns that air pollution is increasing asthma and lung problems in children and the elderly.

"We are recording a surge in the number of irritative bronchitis infections. It is recommended that people suffering from respiratory issues such as chronic bronchitis and asthma take their medicines regularly and do not go out in the open unless absolutely necessary," said Jugal Kishore, the head of the medicine department at Safdarjung Hospital.

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Considering the spike in indoor pollution in Delhi, he advised people to use air purifiers in their homes.

Red Light On, Gaadi Off campaign

Meanwhile, the AAP on Thursday alleged that party MLAs Jarnail Singh and Haji Yunus and several volunteers were detained by Delhi Police while they were participating in the Delhi government's 'Red Light On, Gaadi Off' campaign.

BREAKING

AAP MLA @JarnailSinghAAP detained by Delhi Police for participating in "Red Light On, Gaadi Off" campaign to create Awareness against pollution.

He along with volunteers are detained at Tilak Nagar Police Station

Vendetta against AAP continues. pic.twitter.com/KQHWRjsCjG

¡ª AAP Ka Mehta ?? (@DaaruBaazMehta) November 2, 2023

The 'Red Light On, Gaadi Off' campaign aims to encourage drivers to turn off the ignition of their vehicles while waiting for the traffic signal to turn green.

The Delhi government first launched the 'Red Light On, Gaadi Off' campaign on October 16, 2020.

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