Previously, measures such as construction bans, restrictions on high-emission vehicles, and coal/firewood bans were only activated after pollution levels hit specific thresholds.
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for curbing air pollution in Delhi-NCR kicked into action on Sunday. Implemented by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the plan underwent crucial amendments last year and again in July. Notable changes include strict regulations on older vehicles and a complete prohibition on coal and firewood usage in eateries when the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds 200.
BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers face an immediate ban in Delhi and surrounding areas if the AQI surpasses 400. The CAQM, established in 2021, revised the GRAP in 2022 to ensure proactive anti-air pollution measures based on a three-day forecast, departing from the previous reactive approach triggered by pollution thresholds, PTI reported.
Previously, measures such as construction bans, restrictions on high-emission vehicles, and coal/firewood bans were only activated after pollution levels hit specific thresholds. The NCR's GRAP classifies air quality into four stages: Poor, Very Poor, Severe, and Severe Plus.
The amended GRAP now advocates strict adherence to Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal orders on overage diesel and petrol vehicles at Stage 1. Additionally, it proposes an immediate ban on coal and firewood use in eateries once the AQI crosses 200, a change from the earlier implementation at Stage 2.
New recommendations include "strict action to curb air pollution at all identified hotspots" in Stage 2. Under Stage 3, states must restrict the use of specific vehicles, and if the AQI crosses 450, non-essential four-wheelers from outside Delhi are restricted, except those carrying essential goods or services.
Despite these stringent measures, the CAQM reported a relatively low average AQI of 167 in Delhi-NCR from January to September, the second-best in six years, with only 2020, affected by the pandemic, recording better air quality. A three-month reprieve for diesel generator sets in critical emergency services was also granted, easing concerns over power disruptions in essential sectors. The ban on diesel generators, typically imposed to combat air pollution, will still cover non-essential services.