Will Delhi experience pollution free winter?
Reportedly the central committee constituted on air quality in Delhi-NCR has released a revised plan to deal with pollution in winter. Under this, the concerned states have been asked to implement strict measures when the air quality deteriorates and 'hybrid learning' has been made mandatory for schools on days of severe air pollution. Due to adverse weather conditions, poor air quality conditions usually persist from november to january during the winter season.
Perhaps during this time, restrictions are often imposed in delhi under the Phased Response Action Plan (GRAP). Under this, air quality has been divided into classes in four stages. The first phase is implemented when the AQI is between 201 and 300 (poor category), the second phase is implemented when the AQI is between 301 and 400 (very poor), the third phase is implemented when the AQI is between 401 and 450 (severe category), and the fourth phase is implemented when the AQI is above 450 (very severe).
Moreover according to the revised plan, now in the second phase itself, inter-state buses coming from NCR, except electric vehicles and cng or BS-6 diesel-powered buses, will not be allowed to enter Delhi. Earlier this provision was implemented in the third phase. Under the revised plan, RWAs will have to provide electric heaters to security personnel as well as workers involved in cleaning, gardening and other services to prevent burning of solid waste in the open during winter. Divyaangs have been given relaxation in the restrictions imposed on BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel vehicles under the third phase in delhi and Gurugram, Faridabad, ghaziabad and gautam Buddha nagar districts. The delhi government has been directed to ban medium-data-sized diesel freight vehicles (MGVs) of BS-4 or older standards, except vehicles supplying essential commodities in the city under the third phase of GRAP.