Delhi Government Enforces GRAP-1 to Improve Air Quality
The Delhi Government has announced the strict implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan-1 (GRAP-1) to enhance air quality in the city. This decision was made during a high-level meeting led by Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, with Environment Minister Gopal Rai and other officials present.
Measures to Control Dust and Pollution
To tackle dust pollution, 99 teams will inspect construction sites. The Public Welfare Department will deploy 200 anti-smog guns, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi 30, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation 14, and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation 80. Additionally, extra police personnel will manage traffic, and Home Guards will be on standby.
Public Involvement and Achievements
Chief Minister Atishi urged residents to carpool, avoid burning crackers and waste, and report pollution via the Green Delhi app. She noted that Delhi has experienced 200 good AQI days this year, a significant improvement due to government measures and public cooperation.
Current Air Quality Status
Despite improvements, air quality declined recently, with AQI reaching 224 and 234 on October 13 and 14, respectively, placing it in the ‘poor’ category. Consequently, GRAP Stage 1 restrictions have been imposed.
Regional Cooperation Needed
Environment Minister Gopal Rai emphasized the need for a regional approach, as pollution issues extend beyond Delhi. He highlighted challenges like pollution from brick kilns and generator use in neighboring areas, and stubble burning in nearby states.
Doubts Revealed
Atishi -: Atishi is the Chief Minister of Delhi, a city in India. She is responsible for making important decisions to help improve the city, like fighting air pollution.
GRAP-1 -: GRAP-1 stands for Graded Response Action Plan-1. It is a set of rules and actions that the government uses to reduce air pollution when it gets too high.
Anti-smog guns -: Anti-smog guns are machines that spray water into the air to help settle dust and reduce pollution. They are used in places with a lot of air pollution to make the air cleaner.
AQI -: AQI stands for Air Quality Index. It is a number that tells us how clean or polluted the air is. A lower number means the air is cleaner, and a higher number means it is more polluted.
Gopal Rai -: Gopal Rai is the Environment Minister in Delhi. He works on issues related to the environment, like air pollution, and helps make plans to improve it.