The ‘severe’ Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi has led to the enforcement of Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The Commission for Air Quality Management implements GRAP Stage 4 in Delhi NCR from today. Supreme Court ordered today that GRAP Stage IV restriction will be in effect until further notice from them.
The air quality on Monday reached at the stage of ‘Severe plus’ category. A bench with Justices Augustine George Masih and Abhay S Oka was hearing a petition on urge to take action to reduce the pollution level in Delhi.
Delhi’s air pollution raised to an alarming level where it became a matter of concern for people living in Delhi. The majority area in the national capital saw worst air quality. The AQI crossed ‘severe plus’ mark category. Punjabi Bagh, Mundkka and Ashok Vihar saw the worst AQI of 495.
Currently Delhi-NCR in under GRAP Stage IV to deal with the pollution level in Delhi. The apex court mentioned that the GRAP 4 will remain in effect until they give further notice. The average AQI in 24 hours in the national capital is 494, according to CPCB.
Apart from this the apex court has asked school in Delhi NCR to switch to online mode.
GRAP-IV Restrictions
- Medium and Heavy vehicles with diesel engine (BSIV or below) registered in Delhi are banned. Only vehicles carry essential goods are allowed in the national capital.
- Commercial vehicles from outside the national capital which are non essential one are prohibited.
- The Trucks carrying which carry non-essential items are prohibited from entering Delhi.
- Commission for Air Quality Management have recommended switching classes 6-9 and class 11 in online mode.
- The offices in Delhi NCR are advised to work with 50% capacity. The rest of the people will be working from home.
Supreme Court Slams Delhi Government
A bench with Justices Augustine George Masih and Abhay S Oka slammed Delhi government for late implementation of GRAP Stage-III in Delhi.
The bench said that, “The moment the AQI reaches between 300 and 400, stage 4 has to be invoked. How can you take risk in these matters by delaying applicability of stage 4 of GRAP,”
Due to rising pollution in Delhi, common people are facing difficulty in breathing. Meanwhile, GRAP 4 has been implemented in the capital today. AQI has been recorded above 400 at many places of national capital today.
A petition was filed in the court regarding rising pollution. The court made many comments during this time. The one such comment from them is, why 3 days were waited to implement GRAP 3?
