GRAP-III invoked in Delhi-NCR as air quality worsens
What's the story
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR as a precautionary measure after air quality continued to worsen ahead of Diwali. Delhi's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) hit 389 in the "very poor" category on Friday morning, with several parts also entering the "severe" category. IIT Delhi and Rohini both recorded an AQI of 474.
Measures
What's banned under GRAP III
Under GRAP III, all non-essential construction and demolition work, including earthwork, piling, open trenching, welding, painting, plastering, tiling and flooring, is banned.
The transfer of dust-generating materials like cement and sand is banned too.
However, some construction projects related to national security or essential services like railways, metro services, airports, interstate bus terminals, hospitals, highways, roads, flyovers, power transmission, pipelines, telecommunications, sewage treatment plants and water supply are exempt from these restrictions.
Vehicles
Movement of older vehicles restricted
GRAP-3 also restricts the movement of older vehicles, including BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel light motor vehicles. These are banned in Delhi and high-vehicle-density districts such as Gurugram and Ghaziabad.
Furthermore, schools up to Class 5 in these areas will conduct classes in hybrid mode to reduce exposure to hazardous air pollution.
Others
Governments to decide on work from home
When it comes to government employees, NCR state governments and the Delhi government may decide whether public, municipal and private offices should operate with 50% staff strength, with the remaining employees working from home.
Similarly, the central government may decide separately whether to allow its employees to work from home.