The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) which is a set of anti-air pollution measures followed in the Delhi-NCR region in the winter season will be imposed on Sunday. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), an autonomous body tasked with improving air quality in Delhi and the adjoining areas, made crucial changes to the GRAP last year. CAQM made changes to GRAP again this year in July.
The new changes that have been made include strict restrictions on the plying of vehicles that belong to the overage and a complete ban on the use of firewood and coal in eateries, restaurants, and hotels when the Air Quality Index (AQI) crosses the mark of 200, reported news agency PTI.
According to the recent changes, as soon as the AQI in Delhi and Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar crosses the mark of 400 then BS III petrol and BS IV diesel four-wheelers will be banned immediately.
The GRAP for the National Capital Region (NCR) is classified under four different stages of adverse air quality in Delhi: Stage I – ‘Poor’ (AQI 201-300); Stage II – ‘Very Poor’ (AQI 301-400); Stage III – ‘Severe’ (AQI 401-450); and Stage IV – ‘Severe Plus’ (AQI >450).
New steps that have been suggested as part of the revised GRAP include “strict action to curb air pollution at all identified hotspots in the region under Stage 2”.
Under Stage 3, Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh will have to impose strict restrictions on the plying of BS III petrol and BS IV diesel four-wheelers in the national capital, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar. As per CAQM’s suggestions, authorities may discontinue physical classes in schools for classes up to Standard 5 in such a scenario.
At an AQI above 450, four-wheelers that are registered outside Delhi, other than EVs and those using CNG and BS-VI diesel, won’t be permitted to enter the national capital. Those carrying essential commodities or providing essential services will be exempt from this though.
All other existing measures that will be taken under different stages of GRAP will continue.