Delhi-NCR’s air turns into gas chamber, GRAP-4 implemented, know what will be the impact on your life

News India Live, Digital Desk: It has become difficult for the people living in Delhi and surrounding cities to breathe. The situation has gone out of control after the air quality reached the “severe plus” category. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has crossed the dangerous level of 600 at many places, due to which the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has had to implement the fourth and final phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as an emergency measure. These restrictions are going to have a direct impact on your daily routine. Let us know what restrictions have been imposed under GRAP-4.

These major restrictions came into effect under GRAP-4:

1. Strict rules on vehicles:

• ‘No Entry’ of trucks: Now only CNG, electric or BS-VI diesel trucks carrying essential goods will be allowed entry in Delhi. The entry of all other types of trucks has been completely banned.
• Ban on diesel vehicles: There is also a ban on plying of light commercial vehicles and medium and heavy goods vehicles with BS-IV diesel registered in Delhi. However, vehicles engaged in essential services have been exempted.
• Impact on private cars also: If you have a four-wheeler with BS-III petrol or BS-IV diesel, you cannot drive it on the roads of Delhi-NCR.

2. New instructions for construction and offices:

• Stopping all construction work: There has been a complete ban on all types of construction and demolition work including highways, roads, flyovers, pipelines and private construction.
• Offices will run at 50% capacity: All government and private offices in Delhi-NCR have been advised to allow 50% of their employees to work from home.

3. Schools will remain closed:

• In view of the increasing pollution levels in the capital, instructions have been given to close schools and conduct online classes for all classes except classes 10 and 12.

Government can take even tougher decisions

Under GRAP-4, state governments have also been given the right that if the situation worsens, they can take more stringent measures like closing colleges, stopping non-essential business activities and implementing odd-even scheme for vehicles.

Who are at greater risk?

Children, elderly people and people suffering from respiratory or heart disease have been advised to take special precautions in this poisonous air. Doctors say that unless it is absolutely necessary, avoid leaving the house and even if you have to go out, wear a good quality mask.