Delhi’s New Plan to Fight Air Pollution: GRAP-II Rules Enforced
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced the enforcement of GRAP-II (Graded Response Action Plan) rules across North India due to worsening air quality. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has surpassed 300, placing it in the ‘Very Poor’ category. Five new initiatives have been introduced, including regulating diesel generators, increasing metro and bus frequency, and raising parking costs to discourage car use. A meeting with senior officials aims to improve GRAP-II implementation in Delhi NCR.
Actions Under GRAP-II
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) ordered the implementation of GRAP-II after Delhi’s AQI reached 310. The plan includes an 11-point action strategy, advising agencies to conduct mechanical vacuum sweeping and water sprinkling on roads. It also mandates dust control at construction sites and encourages public transport use. The CAQM calls for uninterrupted power supply to reduce diesel generator use and urges citizens to avoid dust-generating activities and open burning.
Public Involvement
The Sub-Committee encourages citizens to use public transport, take less congested routes, and replace air filters in vehicles. The public is urged to help implement GRAP measures to improve air quality in the region.
Doubts Revealed
GRAP-II -: GRAP-II stands for Graded Response Action Plan, which is a set of rules and actions to control air pollution in Delhi. It is implemented in stages based on the severity of air pollution.
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. An AQI over 300 is considered very poor and unhealthy.
CAQM -: CAQM stands for Commission for Air Quality Management. It is a government body responsible for improving air quality in the National Capital Region, including Delhi.
Diesel Generators -: Diesel generators are machines that produce electricity using diesel fuel. They can contribute to air pollution, so their use is regulated during high pollution periods.
Public Transport -: Public transport refers to buses, trains, and other forms of transportation that are available for use by the general public. Increasing its frequency means more buses or trains will run to encourage people to use them instead of personal vehicles.