Delhi-NCR implements revised anti-pollution plan

03 Oct 2023 CW Team

Additionally, BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers will be banned immediately in Delhi and nearby areas if the AQI crosses 400. The CAQM amended GRAP to proactively implement anti-air pollution measures based on up to three-day forecasts, replacing the previous practice of implementing measures only after pollution levels reached certain thresholds.

GRAP categorises air quality in Delhi under four stages: 'poor,' 'very poor,' 'severe,' and 'severe plus.' The revised plan recommends strict enforcement of Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal orders regarding old diesel and petrol vehicles under Stage 1. It also mandates a coal and firewood ban in eateries when AQI crosses 200, which was previously enforced under Stage 2.

The revised plan introduces new steps, including taking strict action to address air pollution hotspots under Stage 2. Under Stage 3, restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles are imposed in Delhi and nearby areas, potentially leading to the suspension of physical classes for children up to Class 5. For AQI above 450, non-Delhi registered four-wheelers, except electric and CNG vehicles, are prohibited from entering Delhi, except for essential services.

Despite these changes, existing measures under various GRAP stages will continue to be enforced. The CAQM has also granted a three-month reprieve for the use of diesel generator sets in nine critical categories of emergency services, alleviating concerns about power disruptions in essential sectors in the NCR.

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), a set of measures to combat air pollution during winters in Delhi-NCR, is now in effect. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) made significant changes to GRAP last year and again in July. These changes include stricter restrictions on old vehicles and a complete ban on coal and firewood use in eateries when the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds 200. Additionally, BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers will be banned immediately in Delhi and nearby areas if the AQI crosses 400. The CAQM amended GRAP to proactively implement anti-air pollution measures based on up to three-day forecasts, replacing the previous practice of implementing measures only after pollution levels reached certain thresholds. GRAP categorises air quality in Delhi under four stages: 'poor,' 'very poor,' 'severe,' and 'severe plus.' The revised plan recommends strict enforcement of Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal orders regarding old diesel and petrol vehicles under Stage 1. It also mandates a coal and firewood ban in eateries when AQI crosses 200, which was previously enforced under Stage 2. The revised plan introduces new steps, including taking strict action to address air pollution hotspots under Stage 2. Under Stage 3, restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles are imposed in Delhi and nearby areas, potentially leading to the suspension of physical classes for children up to Class 5. For AQI above 450, non-Delhi registered four-wheelers, except electric and CNG vehicles, are prohibited from entering Delhi, except for essential services. Despite these changes, existing measures under various GRAP stages will continue to be enforced. The CAQM has also granted a three-month reprieve for the use of diesel generator sets in nine critical categories of emergency services, alleviating concerns about power disruptions in essential sectors in the NCR.