Delhi NCR AQI / Delhi's air is poisonous again! Diesel vehicles banned, schools on hybrid mode

Delhi NCR AQI: Air pollution in Delhi-NCR has once again reached critical levels. In view of the deteriorating air quality, Phase 3 restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) have been implemented. Under this, many strict steps have been taken regarding schools, vehicles, construction and offices.

Effect of pollution on children and offices

Schools in hybrid mode: All schools in Delhi-NCR have been instructed to conduct classes in online and offline mode for children up to class 5.

Ban on diesel vehicles: Diesel-powered vehicles have been completely banned in the capital.

Ban on construction: Any kind of construction and demolition work has been banned in the area.

50% capacity in offices: Private offices have been advised to ensure only 50% attendance of their employees and allow the rest of the employees to work from home.

GRAP 3 implemented: What are the main restrictions?

The following steps have been taken under GRAP 3 to curb rising pollution in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar:

Ban on all types of construction work.

Stopped movement of diesel-powered light vehicles.

Sprinkling of water to improve air quality.

Strict action on burning garbage.

Strict monitoring of industries.

Supreme Court's strictness

The Supreme Court has taken the central and state governments to task in the matter of air pollution. The court made it clear that the hearing related to pollution will not be limited to Delhi only.

Focus on polluted cities across the country: The Supreme Court said that pollution is not only Delhi's problem. The central government has been asked to present data of major polluted cities across the country.

Delhi government reprimanded: The Delhi government was reprimanded for not presenting a concrete action plan related to solid waste management.

Chief Secretary summoned: The Supreme Court has directed the Chief Secretary of Delhi to appear personally on December 19.

Demand for solution from national perspective

The Supreme Court has also asked whether a system like Air Quality Management Commission can be created in other polluted cities. This commission works as an effective institution for improving air quality in Delhi-NCR.

Main reasons behind pollution

According to experts, the following are the reasons behind the increase in air pollution:

Effect of stubble burning.

Construction work and dust.

Emissions from vehicles.

Stagnation of wind during winter season.

Industrial pollution.

What is the solution?

Public participation: Every citizen has to play his role to reduce pollution, such as using public transport and avoiding burning garbage.

Permanent solution: The government has to implement long-term plans such as use of clean energy, increasing greenery and strict pollution control policies.

Pollution control technology: Promote pollution-reducing technologies in industries and vehicles.

Conclusion

The severe air pollution of Delhi-NCR has become not only a regional but a national problem. With the activism of the Supreme Court and the Central Government on the increasing pollution, it is expected that concrete steps will be taken. But unless the government, industry and citizens make joint efforts, it is difficult to get rid of this crisis.