Delhi’s Air Quality Crisis: Minister Gopal Rai to Implement GRAP IV
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai is set to meet with department heads on Monday to ensure the effective implementation of Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) due to worsening air quality. The meeting will take place at the Delhi Secretariat at noon.
Air Quality Concerns
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated Stage IV of GRAP as Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 457, indicating ‘Severe+’ conditions. This stage includes an 8-point action plan to address the pollution crisis.
Key Measures
- Banning non-essential truck traffic, except for essential services.
- Restricting entry of light commercial vehicles not powered by electric, CNG, or BS-VI diesel engines.
- Prohibiting certain diesel-operated vehicles.
- Extending bans on construction and demolition activities.
- Advising online classes and work-from-home arrangements.
The CAQM urges citizens to cooperate and stay indoors, especially vulnerable groups. The situation will be monitored closely for further actions.
Doubts Revealed
Gopal Rai -: Gopal Rai is a politician in India who is currently serving as the Environment Minister of Delhi. He is responsible for managing and improving the environment in the city.
GRAP IV -: GRAP IV stands for Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan. It is a set of emergency measures to control air pollution when the air quality becomes very poor.
CAQM -: CAQM stands for the Commission for Air Quality Management. It is a government body in India that monitors and manages air quality in the National Capital Region, including Delhi.
AQI -: AQI stands for Air Quality Index. It is a number used to communicate how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it is forecast to become.
457 AQI -: An AQI of 457 is considered ‘severe’ and indicates very poor air quality. It means the air is very unhealthy to breathe, especially for sensitive groups like children and the elderly.
Non-essential truck traffic -: Non-essential truck traffic refers to trucks that are not carrying important goods or services. During severe air pollution, these trucks are restricted to reduce emissions.
Diesel vehicles ban -: Certain diesel vehicles are banned because they produce more pollution compared to other vehicles. This helps in reducing the overall air pollution.
Construction bans -: Construction bans mean stopping building activities temporarily. This is done because construction can create a lot of dust and pollution.
Online classes -: Online classes are when students attend school from home using the internet. This is suggested to reduce exposure to polluted air.
Work-from-home -: Work-from-home means doing your job from your house instead of going to the office. This helps reduce traffic and pollution.
Vulnerable groups -: Vulnerable groups include people who are more likely to be affected by pollution, like children, elderly, and those with health issues.
