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GRAP Restrictions Tightened Ahead
20 Nov
Summary
- Pollution watchdog proposes earlier GRAP restrictions.
- Measures for travel, work to activate at lower pollution levels.
- Current GRAP Stage III effective due to severe pollution.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has suggested significant revisions to the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which dictates actions based on air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR. The proposed changes would move several restrictions, including those on travel and work, to earlier stages, meaning they would be enforced at lower Air Quality Index (AQI) levels than currently.
GRAP operates in four stages, triggered by increasing AQI. Stage I begins with 'poor' air quality, Stage II with 'very poor,' Stage III with 'severe,' and Stage IV with 'severe+' conditions. The current directive in Delhi is GRAP Stage III. The CAQM's suggestions aim to implement measures like enhanced public transport and staggered office timings sooner.
Beyond GRAP, additional measures are proposed, such as clearing traffic bottlenecks and deploying more road sweepers. Residents may see incentives for EVs and higher costs for high-emission vehicles. The implementation timeline depends on Supreme Court directives, but some changes, like shifting school activities indoors during colder months, are already being advised.
