Delhi Air Quality Falls to Severe-Plus Category: GRAP Stage-4 Restrictions Enforced

The Delhi air quality has once more moved into the very grim “severe-plus” category, as fearfully marked by the Air Quality Index (AQI). This dangerous situation has forced Stage-4 restrictions under Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to remain in place across Delhi-NCR as an endeavor to decrease pollution and keep public health at bay.

What Does GRAP Stage-4 Imply?

GRAP Stage-4 is the most extreme stage of emergency measures against extreme air pollution. It includes the following:

• Ban on Non-Essential Construction & Demolition: No construction and demolition shall take place except for some projects already underway.
• Bans on Vehicles: Only BS-VI compliant diesel vehicles along with emergency service vehicles are allowed. Incoming trucks to Delhi are restricted except for essential commodities only.
• Shutting Schools & Officies: School classes will have online classes instead and private offices will be asked to work from home.
• Polluting Industries Shutdown : Some of the industries releasing pollutants will be put under closure for the duration.
• Traffic Regulation : PUC check-up will strictly be carried out and heavy fines will be imposed on those people not adhering to the pollution norms.

Health Advisory to Residents

The present air quality level is deadly for human health. There are some precautions which must be taken:

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• Minimize Outdoor Exposure: Avoid going outdoors as much as possible, especially for kids and elderly people who have respiratory diseases.
• Use Masks: Wear N95 masks when venturing outdoors.
• Use Purifiers: Keep air purifiers at home to improve air quality inside.
  -Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep your system clean and hydrated.

Initiatives by Authorities

-Intensify water sprinkling and anti-smog gun operations to dampen dust.
-Monitoring under intensified surveillance on industrial and construction site emissions

Increase use of public transport and car pooling to reduce emission from automobiles

Call Action

Collective responsibility of all of us time is now. Lesser usage of vehicles, no burning of wastes and following all the guidelines will improve the area where we reside in quality.

Air Quality Alert and Advisory. Lets do our bit so that we can breathe fresh and pure air.