Delhi’s air turns toxic: GRAP-2 curbs imposed as AQI crosses 300
CAQM has imposed GRAP Stage 2 in Delhi-NCR after AQI reached 325. See what is restricted, from coal tandoors to diesel generators and what comes next
PTC Web Desk: Delhi-NCR is now under Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) put the restrictions into effect on Monday, with immediate effect, after the capital’s air slipped into the ‘very poor’ category. The AQI was recorded at 325 at 5 pm.
How quickly the air worsened
The deterioration was sharp. According to the CAQM’s order, the AQI was 117 on October 31. It rose to 261 the next day, November 1, and went past the 300 mark on Monday morning. The commission said unfavourable weather conditions were behind the spike.
The latest step comes only a day after a wider set of winter pollution-control rules began on Sunday. Under those, non-BS-VI vehicles registered outside Delhi are restricted from entering and operating in the capital. CNG and electric vehicles, along with certain specified categories, are exempt.
What GRAP Stage 2 means
The new curbs include:
Higher parking fees, meant to push people away from using private vehicles.
No coal or firewood in hotels and restaurants, which includes tandoors.
Tighter rules on diesel generator sets.
More mechanical road sweeping and water sprinkling with dust suppressants, which authorities have been asked to step up.
The CAQM said forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) suggest the air will stay in the ‘very poor’ range for the next few days. If it worsens further, stricter stages of GRAP could follow.
Supreme Court permits green crackers on Diwali in Delhi-NCR, sets time limits
The Supreme Court on Monday allowed people in Delhi-NCR to burst green firecrackers on November 7 and 8, during set hours on the eve of Diwali and the festival day.
A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and Prasanna B Varale permitted firecrackers from 6 am to 7 am and from 8 pm to 10 pm on both days. The court also barred firecrackers within 300 metres of hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district health centres, old-age homes and notified silence zones. These places, along with educational institutions, will be marked as “No-Cracker Zones”, with signs and public announcements to inform people of the restrictions.
"It concerns every living being," the bench said.
"There is no point in passing orders and directions unless you give effect to them on the ground, otherwise, it becomes a mockery," the court had added, underlining the need for effective implementation.
Last week, the court declined to impose a complete ban on firecrackers. However, it said restrictions would have little effect unless authorities enforced them strictly. The bench told Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Centre, that officials must take the matter seriously and ensure the rules are followed. READ FULL NEWS HERE