Delhi's average AQI was 423 at 7 pm on Wednesday.
The graded response action plan has been modified in view of the continuously increasing air pollution in Delhi for the last 20 days. According to the Commission for Air Quality Management, with the implementation of GRAP-3 in Delhi-NCR, all classes up to 5th are now mandatory online.
On the other hand, if GRAP-4 is implemented then all classes up to 12th will be online.
Earlier state governments had the right to take this decision regarding schools, but now it has been made a rule.
AQI was recorded above 400 for the 5th consecutive day in the capital on Wednesday. According to AQI, this is a 'severe' category of pollution.
2 pictures of pollution in Delhi…
After the increase in pollution and implementation of GRAP-4 stage, police are checking the fitness of vehicles.
As AQI becomes more severe, people coming to work and visiting the capital wear masks.
These two major changes also occurred in GRAP
1. Under GRAP-3, State Governments have been asked to modify the working hours of public and municipal corporations. So that traffic jams can be reduced and pollution can also be reduced. The move is part of efforts to improve air quality.
2. A mask advisory has also been implemented under GRAP-4, asking people to wear a mask while going out when the air is very bad. This step will also help in protecting their health.
50% of employees work from home
Delhi government has decided to work from home in government offices. 50% of state government employees will work from home. This information was given by Environment Minister Gopal Rai. In view of the increasing pollution, the Supreme Court has given the option of digital hearing to the judges.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna said that wherever possible, the court should hold hearings digitally. Lawyers can make virtual submissions. In fact, many Supreme Court lawyers, including Kapil Sibal, made this demand. The court has also made it mandatory for its staff to wear masks.
The Supreme Court asked the Commission that- Why was there a delay in implementing GRAP 4?
Currently, the Supreme Court has slammed the commission and the government for delaying implementation of GRAP-3 and GRAP-4. It was also asked that schools across NCR remain closed till further orders. The Supreme Court directed the CAQM to be strict and said that the task of enforcing the ban will not be left to local authorities.
A GRAP is imposed when the AQI crosses 400
To check the level of pollution in the air, it is divided into 4 categories. Standards and measures are fixed for each level. It is called Graded Response Action Plan or GRAP. Under its 4 categories, the government imposes restrictions and promulgates measures to reduce pollution.
GRAP-1: Poor (AQI 201-300) GRAP-2: Very Poor (AQI 301-400) GRAP-3: Severe (AQI 401 to 450) GRAP-4: Very Severe (AQI over 450)
What is AQI and why are high levels dangerous?
AQI is a type of thermometer. It works to measure pollution rather than just temperature. Through this scale, the amount of CO (Carbon Dioxide), Ozone, NO2 (Nitrogen Dioxide), PM 2.5 (Particulate Matter) and PM 10 pollutants present in the air are checked and shown in readings ranging from zero to 500.
The higher the amount of pollution in the air, the higher the AQI level and the higher the AQI, the more hazardous the air. Although an AQI between 200 and 300 is also considered bad, the situation is such that it has crossed 300 in many cities in Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. This increasing AQI is not just a number. This is also a sign of danger of upcoming diseases.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
