Delhi Pollution: Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Thursday said that the government will not impose the third phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-III) for now. This decision came out the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) conducted meeting on GRAP-III.
The AQI turned “severe” for the first time this season on Wednesday. The Commission for Air Quality Management describing the situation as an “episodic event” of “unprecedented extremely dense fog.”
Implementation of GRAP III happens when the air pollution reaches the ‘severe’ category. Under this plan, there is a ban on construction and demolition. State governments can discontinue in-person classes up to Class 5 and there is an emphasis on public transportation.
Rai further added, this decision was taken after the prediction of improvement in the weather conditions which may eventually lower the AQI index in the city.
However, he asserted that the government has again issued instructions to all departments to strictly and effectively follow the provisions of the GRAP-II in order to control the pollution in Delhi.
Delhi Pollution: What Did Gopal Rai Say?
Gopal Rai in a press conference said that the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) conducted meeting on GRAP-3 yesterday.
After analysing situations, it has been decided that the GRAP-III will not be implemented in Delhi. All the schemes of the different departments will continue according to the GRAP-II.
Departments are asked to strictly follow the provisions given as per GRAP-II so that we would not be in a situation to reach GRAP-III. He affirmed that the government is effectively monitoring the situation.
Environment Minister asserted two main reasons behind the increase in pollution – ‘Decreased temperature’ and ‘Decreased wind speed’. Citing predictions, he stated that there is a chance that the level of pollution can decrease in Delhi.
#WATCH | On air pollution in the national capital, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai says, “In this winter season, the Air Quality Index has crossed 400 for the first time in the last two days in Delhi. IMD’s analysis states two reasons for the sudden rise in AQI in Delhi… pic.twitter.com/rPVdFVNh8X
— ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2024
