Delhi Government reinstated the ban on Diesel cars below B-V as AQI touched 407 in the NCT of Delhi again. Previously for a brief respite the ban was lifted in the view of improvement of the air quality. Stage III of the GRAP–‘Severe’ Air Quality which focuses on air quality between 401-450 was implemented by the Committee on December 4.
A revised action plan was implemented by the Sub-committee of Graded Response Action Plan at the review meeting on December 4, appraising the state government to ensue restrictions on B-3 and B-4 diesel cars. Following which, the Government of Delhi revived the ban on B-3 and B-4 diesel cars till December 9 in review of the current air quality with a hefty fine of Rs. 20,000.
The GRAP order read: “Accordingly, a 9-point action plan as per Stage III of GRAP is applicable with immediate effect from today in the entire NCR in addition to preventive/ restrictive actions of Stage I and Stage II of the GRAP which are already in place. This 9-point action plan includes steps to be implemented/ ensured by different agencies and PCBs of NCR and DPCC.”
Apart from the ban, preventive and restrictive measures include, intensified vacuum sweeping of the streets, vehement sprinkling of water around traffic hotspots along with other areas to disperse dust particle concentration, encouragement of public transports and introduction of incentivized off-peak travels for promotion, and profound restrictions on construction and demolition as well as mining activities around the city.
The Commission also appealed to the citizens to take individual measures such as choosing environment friendly commutes like metros and e-autorickshaws; reducing unnecessary travels by combining chores and walking, as possible; using electric heaters instead of coal or wood for heating purposes; and working from home whenever possible.
Every year, during fall Delhi converts into a burghal of pollution due to stubble burning around North India forming condensed smog overhead. The AQI this year hit above 300 which is denoted to be hazardous for human health, more so, it remains between poor quality and very unhealthy. Preventive measures are being taken by the government but a sudden hike in the AQI has led to immediate actions to improve the air quality in due time.
