New Delhi:
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi stated that the first colleges will shift to on-line courses in view of the rising air pollution ranges. “Attributable to rising air pollution ranges, all major colleges in Delhi might be shifting to on-line courses, till additional instructions,” CM Atishi stated in a submit on X on Thursday.
Delhi Metro Rail Company (DMRC) stated that 20 additional journeys might be inducted into providers from Friday following the implementation of GRAP-III.
“In view of the implementation of GRAP-III from 8 am tomorrow, 20 additional journeys (along with 40 already in place since GRAP-II was carried out) might be inducted into providers on weekdays beginning tomorrow. Thus, 60 additional journeys might be carried out by Delhi Metro on weekdays until GRAP-III stays in place,” DMRC stated in a submit on X.
With the air high quality index (AQI) in Delhi worsening and hovering within the extreme class, the CAQM on Thursday ordered to invoke Stage III of the GRAP in Delhi NCR with impact from 8 am of November 15 along with all actions underneath Stage I and II to stop additional deterioration of air high quality within the nationwide capital area.
GRAP III (Graded Response Motion Plan) measures to mitigate the consequences of air air pollution in Delhi NCR embrace intensifying the frequency of mechanised sweeping of roads, each day water sprinkling together with mud suppressants, earlier than peak visitors hours, on roads and proper of the way together with hotspots, heavy visitors corridors and correct disposal of the collected mud in designated websites/ landfills. All demolition works, earthwork for excavation and filling together with boring & drilling works, and any transportation of demolition waste are banned with the implementation of GRAP III measures to battle air air pollution.
Below GRAP III measures Fee for Air High quality Administration (CAQM) recommendation State Govts. within the NCR and the GNCTD could take a call on discontinuing bodily courses in colleges for kids as much as Class V and conducting courses in an internet mode as GRAP III measures might be implementedGNCTD to not allow BS-III and beneath diesel-operated LCVs (items carriers) registered exterior Delhi, to enter Delhi, besides these carrying important commodities / offering important providers.
The Graded Response Motion Plan (GRAP) for the Nationwide Capital Area (NCR) is classed underneath 4 completely different phases of opposed air high quality in Delhi: Stage I — ‘poor’ (AQI 201-300); Stage II — ‘very poor’ (AQI 301-400); Stage III — ‘extreme’ (AQI 401-450); and Stage IV — ‘extreme plus’ (AQI 450).
The CAQM Sub-Committee, after an pressing evaluation assembly on November 14, famous that since November 13, the AQI in Delhi had remained firmly within the “Extreme” vary, with forecasts indicating that it might keep on the increased finish of the “Very Poor” class within the coming days.
This yr, Stage III has been invoked a lot later than in 2023, when it was activated on November 2. The motion plan, efficient throughout all the NCR, will complement ongoing Stage-I and Stage-II measures already in place.
The 11-point motion plan underneath Stage III consists of elevated street sweeping, intensified water sprinkling with mud suppressants in high-traffic areas, and enhanced public transport providers with differential pricing to encourage off-peak journey.
Moreover, a strict ban has been imposed on dust-generating building and demolition actions, with solely important initiatives associated to nationwide safety, healthcare, and public infrastructure allowed to proceed underneath strict environmental controls.
Polluting industries, together with stone crushers and mining operations, might be shut down, and there might be restrictions on the motion of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel automobiles in Delhi and neighbouring districts. Interstate buses not assembly environmental requirements may also be barred from getting into the town.
Authorities are additionally contemplating switching to on-line courses for kids as much as Class V to cut back publicity to dangerous air high quality.
The CAQM has urged residents to observe the rules underneath Stage III, together with selecting cleaner modes of transport, working from residence when attainable, and avoiding the usage of coal and wooden for heating. The CAQM appealed for public cooperation in guaranteeing the profitable implementation of those measures to cut back the well being dangers posed by the extreme air pollution within the area.
