HomeBlogUrgent GRAP-3 in Delhi: The Battle for Clean Air

Urgent GRAP-3 in Delhi: The Battle for Clean Air

GRAP-3 in Delhi , In response to increasing air pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has again put in place Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR. This is after a drastic deterioration in air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 371, which falls under the ‘very poor’ category.ECONOMIC TIMESUnderstanding GRAP and Its Stages

It comprises GRAP that stands for Graded Response Action Plan. These stratified measures have been devised in NCR to handle the situation pertaining to air pollution, with four phases according to which it can move up: ‘poor,’ ‘very poor,’ ‘severe,’ 0and ‘severe plus,’ which correlates to an AQI ranging between 201 and 300; between 301 and 400; between 401 and 450; beyond 450.

Each stage prescribes specific actions to mitigate pollution levels, with Stage III involving stringent measures to curb emissions from various sources.

GRAP-3: The Severe Stage

When the air quality reaches the “Severe” category with an Air Quality Index of more than 400, then GRAP-3 is initiated. This is the level that indicates extremely dangerous pollution, where health problems will be severe in children, old people, and those with other pre-existing diseases of the lungs or heart.

Important Measures During GRAP-3:

Restrictions on Construction Activities: All non-essential construction and demolition activities are banned to reduce dust pollution.
Industrial Activities Ban: None of the frivolous industrial establishments operating on fuel-based pollutants continue to function.
Brick Kiln and Stone Crushing Operations Suspended: Operations identified to significantly produce particulate emissions are suspended
Traffic Check Enhanced: Increased inspections of vehicle-emitted pollutants while encouraging the adoption of public service transportation.
Dusting of Street with Water: Intensification
Vacuum Cleaning: intensification.
Closure of Educational Institutions (if deemed necessary): Schools may be temporarily shut down to protect children from exposure.
Causes of GRAP-3 Triggers in Delhi

Delhi severe air pollution, leading to GRAP-3 activation, is a result of multiple factors:

Vehicular Emissions: With millions of vehicles plying the roads, transportation remains a significant source of pollutants.
Construction Dust: The city’s rapid urbanization generates immense dust, contributing to particulate matter levels.
Industrial Activities: Even though there are regulations, industries in Delhi-NCR continue to emit pollutants into the air.
Crop Residue Burning: Seasonal stubble burning in neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana worsen the air quality during winter.
Weather Conditions: During winters, the absence of wind and temperature inversion traps pollutants near the ground, making the situation worse.

Delhi

Health Impacts of GRAP-3

The health impacts of GRAP-3 levels of pollution are severe:

  • Respiratory Disorders: Prolonged exposure leads to asthma, bronchitis, and COPD.
  • Cardiovascular Diseases: High pollution is associated with heart attacks and strokes.
  • Psychological Issues: It has been estimated that there is a relation of air pollution with anxiety, depression, and decline in cognitive performance.
  • Shortened Life Expectancy: Long-term exposure to high levels of pollution shortens the life expectancy in affected areas.

Delhi Government and Public Response

To rectify the air quality crisis during GRAP-3, the government as well as citizens need to come together with:

The air quality of Delhi has dipped once again to hazardous levels, leading to the activation of GRAP-3. The level includes further curbs in curbing the surging pollution with a halt on construction works, curtailment of vehicle movements, and a sharp rise in monitoring of industrial emissions.

As smog cloaks the city, residents continue to suffer through health issues-from respiratory problems to burning eyes. Fighting for clean air has become one of the key issues, making long-term solutions over temporary fixes much-debated. While GRAP-3 may provide a quick fix to the problem, experts say more effort is required in the effort to address pollution at its very root: vehicular emissions, industrial waste, and crop burning.

It is a challenge for the city’s resilience as policymakers, environmentalists, and citizens come together to fight this annual crisis. Are these measures going to be enough to clear the Delhi skies, or is there a need for deeper systemic change? The battle for clean air rages on with the health and future of millions hanging in the balance.

Government Measures:

  • Real-Time Monitoring: In order to make timely responses, DPCC and other agencies monitor air quality 24/7.
  • Odd-Even Scheme: In case of extreme situations, there is a rationing of traffic temporarily that reduces vehicular pollution.
  • Smog Towers: Experimental solutions such as smoke towers have been installed in parts of Delhi to filter the air locally.
  • Promotion of Green Energy: Subsidies for electric vehicles (EVs) and solar power to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Public Involvement:

  • Decrease Vehicle Usage: Carpooling, public transport, or bicycles are encouraged.
  • Avoid Outdoor Activities: Avoid outdoor activities, especially for sensitive groups, on severe pollution days.
  • Use Air Purifiers: Indoor air purifiers can reduce health impacts at home or work.
  • Awareness Campaigns: Social and community activities generate awareness about pollution levels and safeguards.

Long-term Measures to Eliminate Air Pollution

Although GRAP-3 is a temporary measure, measures must be in place to not let air pollution reach such extremes:

  • Public Transportation: The number of metro should increase and non-polluting buses should also be introduced that can reduce dependence on private cars.
  • Renewable Energy: Mass implementation of renewable energy can reduce emissions dramatically.
  • Strict Implementation of Laws: This will ensure industries and construction sites follow environmental rules.
  • Reforestation: Green cover increases can act as natural filters for pollutants.
  • Sustainable Farming: Promoting alternatives to stubble burning can be addressed to seasonally reduce spikes in pollution.
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