GRAP 1 restrictions, bans in Delhi: Impact on cars, trucks, PUC certificate, hotels, restaurants, construction | Today’s news
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has imposed Phase 1 measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for the Delhi-NCR region. The move came after air quality slipped into the ‘poor’ category on Wednesday, rising from 179 (moderate) on October 20 to 244 (poor) at 2pm on October 21.
“Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI), which was observed at 179 (moderate category) on October 20, showed a sharp increase with AQI of 244 at 2 pm on October 21 (poor category),” CAQM said in a statement.
Know the restrictions under GRAP Stage-I in Delhi-NCR
Vehicles and PUC certificates
Under Phase I of GRAP, authorities have been directed to strictly enforce Pollution Under Control (PUC) norms and take action against visibly polluting vehicles, including impounding or charging them. Existing restrictions on oversized diesel and petrol vehicles must also be enforced. Unscheduled truck traffic passing through Delhi is to be diverted through the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways. Inter-city and inter-state buses operating in Delhi-NCR must meet the prescribed vehicle norms: only electric, CNG or BS-VI diesel buses are allowed, according to the guidelines.
Construction and demolition
Construction sites must follow dust control measures, including covering construction materials and waste during storage and transportation. Water sprinklers and the use of anti-smog guns must be used where necessary. Construction and demolition projects with plots of land of 500 m2 or more that are not registered on the relevant monitoring portal,
or do not meet the prescribed requirements, they will not be able to continue their activities. The regular collection and proper disposal of construction waste should also be regulated.
Hotels and restaurants
The ban on the use of coal and firewood in tandoors in hotels, restaurants and open-air restaurants must be strictly enforced. These facilities must use electricity, gas or other permitted clean fuel facilities to reduce pollution levels.
More restrictions
Other restrictions include a ban on the open burning of biomass and municipal solid waste. Diesel engines cannot be used as a regular energy source and must meet emission requirements.
Authorities have also been directed to enforce pollution control norms in industries, brick kilns and hot mix plants.
Do’s and Don’ts for Delhiites
All citizens should keep vehicle engines properly tuned. One must also maintain tire pressure and ensure that their PUC certificates are in place and valid.
Residents are also urged to turn off vehicle engines at red lights, avoid idling, use public transportation or carpool whenever possible. It is also recommended to avoid driving end-of-life or visibly polluting vehicles.
Citizens should sort waste and dispose of garbage at designated collection points while avoiding open burning and firecrackers.
How to report a violation
Pollution-related violations can also be reported through the 311, Green Delhi or SAMEER app within existing restrictions.
