The Commission for Air quality management has imposed the stage II of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the national capital effective from November 2nd as the city state recorded a ‘very poor’ AQI.
The decision has raised questions among parents and students whether or not education institutions in Delhi, Nodia ,Gurugram and Ghaziabad will operate offline or route to online classes.
As per official information, GRAP stage II restrictions does not mandate a closure. Schools and colleges can operate normally unless a separate notice is issued by the government.
The restrictions mainly focus on controlling pollution from vehicles, road dust and other sources.
Delhi and neighbouring NCR areas were blanketed by a thick layer of smog on Tuesday morning as the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to 452 at 8 am. With pollution levels continuing to worsen, the capital has slipped into the severe category.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), eight of the 57 monitoring stations in Delhi recorded severe air quality at 9 am, while 32 stations were in the very poor category. Areas including Rohini, Punjabi Bagh and Bawana recorded an AQI of 429, 424 and 408 respectively. Jahangirpuri of all stations recorded the highest reading at 452 in the “severe” category.
What changes under GRAP stage II?
Under GRAP stage II authorities across Delhi-NCR have been asked to strengthen pollution-control measures.Some of the key measures taken by the government include
- Increased mechanical and vacuum sweeping ofroads.
- Sprinkling water and using dust suppressants, particularly on roads with heavy traffic to settle the dust particles.
- Taking steps to reduce traffic congestion at busy road junctions.
- Regulating the use of diesel generator sets.
- Encouraging car pooling and public transport.
- Tighten vehicle inspections and checks at the Ghazipur border