In response to the escalating air pollution crisis in Delhi-NCR, the central government took decisive action on Sunday, imposing a ban on non-essential construction work and the operation of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in the region. The Commission for Air Quality Management, entrusted with devising and executing pollution reduction strategies, observed a substantial surge in Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI), reaching 458 and 457 at 10 am and 11 am, respectively. This surge was attributed to unfavorable climatic conditions and local sources of pollution.
Concerned about the likelihood of prolonged severe air quality, the commission promptly initiated Stage-III curbs under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). These measures, applicable during the ‘severe’ AQI range, include the prohibition of non-essential construction activities and the operation of BS III petrol and BS IV diesel four-wheelers.
However, exceptions to the ban exist for construction work deemed essential, such as those related to national security or defense, projects of national importance, healthcare facilities, railways, metro rail, airports, inter-state bus terminals, highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission, pipelines, sanitation, and water supply.
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), devised by the central government as an air pollution control strategy during the winter season, categorizes actions into four stages: 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). This move reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the immediate environmental concerns and safeguarding public health in the face of worsening air quality.