Air quality in Delhi-NCR has slipped toward the "severe" category, just ahead of Diwali.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan, called GRAP-3.
The commission took this step as a precautionary measure.
The Indian Express reported that the move came on Friday, two days before Diwali.
Jagran said the decision was taken on November 6.
Key points
- GRAP-3 is now in force across Delhi-NCR as pollution rises.
- Construction, mining and stone crushers face strict limits.
- Older petrol and diesel vehicles face restrictions in Delhi and nearby districts.
- The Supreme Court has flagged vehicle emissions as a major cause.
So why was GRAP-3 imposed right now?
Delhi's air quality index (AQI) was 382 on Friday, in the "very poor" category, according to the CAQM.
It improved slightly to 376 by 7 pm.
But at least 26 monitoring stations in the capital recorded readings above 400. That level falls in the "severe" category.
The Indian Express said the city moved from Stage I to Stage III in just 16 days.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
What changes for people in Delhi-NCR?
Non-essential construction and demolition work will be stopped across the NCR.
Some essential infrastructure and public-interest projects are exempted.
Stone crushers will stop, and mining will be suspended.
Brick kilns and hot-mix plants that do not comply will not be allowed to operate.
BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers will face restrictions in Delhi and districts like Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Noida.
ABP News reported that half of employees will be asked to work from home.
The sources differ on schools. ABP News and Jagran say classes up to Class 5 may move to hybrid mode.
The Indian Express says states may consider shifting them to online mode.
What did the Supreme Court say about pollution?
The Supreme Court said on Friday that vehicle emissions are a major contributor to pollution in Delhi-NCR.
It pointed to "bumper-to-bumper" traffic on roads.
The court called for immediate, medium-term and long-term steps.
It also warned that restrictions alone may not work, since violations could rise with more orders.
The Indian Express reported these remarks from a suo motu case on the regulatory framework for air pollution.
The case is still being heard.
Sources
- ABP News: Delhi Pollution: GRAP-3 Implemented Across NCR, Check What Restrictions Will Apply
- The New Indian Express: GRAP-3 curbs imposed across Delhi-NCR as air quality set to slip into severe category
- thedailyjagran.com: Grap 3 Curbs Imposed In Delhi-NCR As AQI Drops To Severe Category | What’s Closed
