GRAP 3 in Delhi: Banned and Exempted Activities Unveiled

With the cold snap, Delhi’s air pollution has significantly increased. The statutory Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), which develops and carries out air pollution reduction strategies, reports that the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached “Severe Plus” levels on Sunday. Unfavorable meteorological conditions, such as extremely low wind speeds, rising moisture levels, low mixing heights, and local pollution sources, were the cause of the notable increase in AQI. The AQI is expected to spend the next few days mostly in the Severe category (401–450), according to CAQM.

In the wake of the pollution, Centre’s air pollution control plan called the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been implemented. CAQM has put GRAP Stage-III curbs (‘Severe’ Air Quality) in Delhi-NCR. Under the curbs, some activities have been banned in the region.

Here’s what has been banned in Delhi-NCR

Non-essential construction and demolition work
Plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers
Boring & drilling works
Movement of vehicles on unpaved roads
Operations of stone crushers
All mining and associated activities
Personal use of coal and wood for heating purpose

What’s exempted from the ban

Construction projects related to national security or defence, projects of national importance, healthcare,
Construction work related to railways, metro rail, airports, inter-state bus terminals, power transmission, pipelines, sanitation and water supply
Linear public projects such as highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges is allowed.

CAQM has also urged the closure of physical classes in schools for children up to Class V and instead conducting the classes in online mode. The Commission has directed the concerned agencies to intensify the frequency of mechanised/ vacuum-based sweeping of roads, ensure daily water sprinkling and intensify public transport services.