Delhi’s air has again become poison! The government activated GRAP 3 and ordered 50% work from home for private offices. But will this step stop the dreadful situation of AQI 450+? The next 48 hours could be more dangerous…
New Delhi. Delhi’s air has once again become poisonous. For the last several days, AQI has continuously remained in the “very poor” and “severe” category. People are having trouble breathing, irritation in the eyes is increasing, and the morning sky is filled with haze and smog. In view of this worsening situation, the Delhi government has taken a big step and activated GRAP 3. GRAP i.e. Graded Response Action Plan-This is a phased plan to be implemented as pollution increases. Stage 3 is the most severe stage. Under this, the Delhi government has issued an advisory to private offices to allow 50% of their employees to work from home.
What steps did the Delhi government take and why?
Under GRAP 3, Delhi government has taken a big step. According to the advisory, companies have been suggested to allow half of their employees to work from home and call the other half to the office. Its only objective is to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads of Delhi and the level of dangerous particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10) present in the air can gradually come down. Government offices are already working in different time slots to reduce congestion.
What is the AQI level of air in Delhi now?
It has also been said in many reports that the weather conditions are not in favor of Delhi in the coming days. Wind speed is low, temperature is falling and fog is increasing – due to all this the pollution gets trapped near the ground. This is the reason why Delhi’s AQI continuously remains between 380 to 450. The government believes that if there are fewer vehicles on the roads, then PM2.5 and PM10 particulate matter present in the air will also spread less. This step has been taken directly to control traffic and emissions.
Can 50% Work From Home clean Delhi’s air?
On the work form home order of Delhi’s Rekha Gupta government, experts say that it is a relief step, but not a solution. For Delhi’s air to be clean, work from home alone is not enough – wind speed, change in temperature and weather conditions are also necessary. But at present the wind speed is very low, fog has increased and the temperature is going down, due to which the pollution gets trapped close to the ground.
What changes when GRAP 3 is activated?
Several strict rules begin to apply once GRAP 3 is implemented:
- Big construction sites closed
- Ban on stone crushers and brick kilns
- Reduction in entry of trucks
- Strictness on diesel vehicles
- Monitoring of industrial units intensified
- WFH implemented to bring less vehicles on the road
Government offices are already working in different time slots so that traffic is reduced and pollution can be controlled to some extent.
Can Delhi be in further danger in the next 48 hours?
- Reports suggest that the weather conditions may worsen in the next two days.
- If the wind speed does not increase, the AQI may go into the ‘Severe+’ category.
- If this happens, there may be a need to implement up to GRAP 4.
What advice has been given to people?
- wear a mask before going out
- Do not go out unnecessarily in the morning and evening
- use air purifier
- Children and elderly need to be more careful
Will Delhi’s smog again create a lockdown-like environment?
Delhi’s air rings alarm bells every winter. This time also the situation is serious. The work from home order is a big step, but real relief will come only when the climate starts changing and strict action is taken against pollution sources.