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Delhi News: In view of the continuously worsening situation of air pollution in Delhi-NCR, the Commission for Air Quality Management on Friday again strictly implemented Stage-III i.e. GRAP-III of the Graded Response Action Plan. The Commission said that the Air Quality Index is expected to reach the critical category in the coming days, due to which this step has been taken.

Pollution crisis increases in winter

Delhi-NCR has been struggling with heavy pollution for the last several months. In December also, all the measures of GRAP-III were implemented after AQI reached severe level. According to officials, due to low wind speed, stable environment and adverse weather conditions, pollutants are not able to spread, due to which the air quality has worsened.

Construction and factories banned

Under GRAP-III, a complete ban has been imposed on non-essential construction and demolition activities. This includes digging of soil, piling, construction of open trenches, welding, painting, plastering, tiling and flooring works. There will also be a ban on operation of ready-mix concrete plants. Apart from this, a ban has been imposed on transportation of construction materials like cement, sand and fly ash on unpaved roads.

Orders have been given to close polluting units like stone crushers, brick kilns, mining activities and industries using unapproved fuel.

Ban on vehicles also

Strict restrictions have also been imposed on vehicles. Under GRAP-III, BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers, non-essential diesel-powered medium goods vehicles and inter-state diesel buses that do not meet CNG, electric or BS-VI standards are banned.

However, essential services have been exempted. Infrastructure and public utility projects to metro, railways, airports, highways, defence, health and sanitation will continue under strict dust control and waste management rules. Vehicles used by disabled persons have also been exempted from restrictions.

Rules issued for schools

Along with promoting the use of public transport, schools up to class 5 have been advised to operate in hybrid or online mode. CAQM said it will continue to monitor air quality and will take additional measures if conditions worsen.