On 2-11-2023, the Government of NCT Delhi, Transport Department ordered to invoke all actions envisaged under Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (‘GRAP’) ‘Severe’ Air Quality (AQI ranging between 401-450) with immediate effect. Penalty of Rs. 20,000 will be imposed on defaulters.
Key Points:
-
According to the daily AQI Bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi’s average AQI was 392 rising upto 402.
-
The Sub-Committee, to further prevent the deterioration of air quality in Delhi, ordered to invoke all actions under Stage-III of GRAP and implement 8 Points Action Plan as per Stage-III of GRAP.
-
The restrictions are applicable on:
-
BS-III petrol vehicles;
-
BS-IV diesel vehicles;
-
LMVs (4 Wheelers).
Exception: Vehicles deployed in Emergency Services, Government and Police Vehicles used for Enforcement.
-
-
Penalty- In case of default, the vehicles will be prosecuted under the
Motor Vehicles Act 1988 imposing a penalty of Rs. 20,000.
Note- 8 Points Action Plan as per Stage-III of GRAP:
-
Intensify the frequency of mechanized/ vacuum-based sweeping of roads.
-
Ensure daily water sprinkling along with dust suppressants, before peak traffic hours, on roads and right of way including hotspots, heavy traffic corridors and ensure proper disposal of the collected dust in designated sites/ landfills.
-
Further intensify public transport services. Introduce differential rates to encourage off-peak travel.
-
Strict ban on Construction & Demolition activities. (exceptions are there).
-
Close down operations of stone crushers.
-
Close down all mining and associated activities in the NCR.
-
NCR State Govts. / GNCTD to impose strict restrictions on plying of BS III petrol and BS IV diesel LMVs (4 wheelers) in Delhi and in the districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Budh Nagar.
-
State Governments in NCR and GNCTD may take a decision on discontinuing physical classes in schools for children up to Class V and conducting classes in an online mode.
The poorest and weakest and most uninformed or people get hurt the most. This is an apalling decision and certainly not fair or just, The fine is also extreme. It should be Rs 200 on first instance and Rs 20,000 only on repeat instanceian