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.
