Pollution Curbs Made Stricter Twice In A Day In Delhi

Key facts

• The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) imposed GRAP-3 curbs after the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed the 400 mark and entered the 'Severe' category.
• The CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP decided to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage-IV of the extant GRAP - 'Severe+' Air Quality (DELHI AQI > 450), with immediate effect, in the entire NCR.
• Under GRAP, the air quality is categorised into four stages: Poor (AQI 201-300), Very Poor (AQI 301-400), Severe (AQI 401-450) and Severe Plus (AQI above 450).
• The CAQM stated that the feeble Western Disturbance approaching north-west India was the main contributing factor to the worsening AQI, and not local emissions.
• Prevailing meteorological conditions, including a marked reduction in wind speed, a shift in wind direction from westerly to easterly, and an increase in moisture content in the lower atmosphere, are conducive to the formation of smog and fog.
• A key restriction under Stage 4 of GRAP is the ban on the entry of non-essential trucks into Delhi.
• All construction and demolition activities are completely halted under GRAP Stage 4, including public projects like highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission lines, and pipelines.
• State governments in Delhi and NCR may shift physical classes for students in Classes VI to IX and XI to online mode under GRAP Stage 4.
• Public, municipal, and private offices are recommended to operate with at least 50% staff working from home under GRAP Stage 4.