Vikrant Shekhawat : Oct 22, 2024, 11:39 AM
Delhi Pollution Level: The air quality in Delhi-NCR is continuously deteriorating. On Tuesday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed 370 in Anand Vihar, Delhi. At the same time, AQI was recorded above 360 in Jahangirpuri and 350 in Shadipur. In view of the rising pollution level, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has implemented Phase-2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR from Tuesday. Many stringent measures have been taken under this scheme so that air pollution can be controlled.Ban on these things from todayDiesel-powered generators have been completely banned in Delhi from 8 am on Tuesday. Apart from this, coal-fired tandoors have also been closed. The Delhi government has also resumed the 'Red Light On, Gaadi Off' campaign to reduce pollution, in which drivers are being appealed to turn off the engine at traffic signals. Apart from this, parking fees have also been increased to reduce the movement of vehicles in Delhi.Strict decisions due to toxic airPhase-2 of GRAP has been implemented keeping in mind the deteriorating air quality of Delhi. A statement from CPCB said that the use of coal and firewood has been stopped to control air pollution. Along with this, the use of diesel generator sets has also been banned. Efforts are being made to reduce the use of vehicles by increasing parking fees, so that air pollution can be controlled.Call for strict action under GRAPTo prevent further deterioration in the air quality of Delhi-NCR, the Steering Sub-Committee of GRAP has called for implementing an 11-point action plan across the region. All concerned agencies have been directed to strictly implement the guidelines under Phase-2. The provisions of Phase-1 of GRAP, which is already in force, will also continue.GRAP Phase-1 already implementedPhase-1 of GRAP is already implemented in Delhi-NCR, in which initial measures were taken to bring slight improvement in air quality. Now, after the implementation of Phase-2, these measures have been tightened further so that people can be saved from the severe effects of pollution. The concerned agencies have been instructed to keep a strict vigil and take strict action against those who violate these rules.Exemption to these servicesHowever, some services have been exempted from the ban under GRAP Phase-2. Emergency and essential services such as medical services, railways, metro and MRTS services, airports, and inter-state bus terminals etc. will not be affected by this. These services have been exempted to continue uninterrupted, so that the public does not face any inconvenience.ConclusionThe implementation of GRAP Phase-2 is a necessary step to control the toxic air of Delhi-NCR. With the strict action of the Delhi government and the Central Pollution Control Board in this direction, it is expected that the air quality will improve. The public should also cooperate in this campaign and follow the guidelines given to reduce pollution, so that a clean and safe environment can be ensured in the future.