In India, the National Capital Region (NCR) is fighting a tough enemy called GRAP 4 to reduce air pollution. When the Air Quality Index (AQI) goes above 450, which is very bad, they activate GRAP 4 to try and fix the problem. It’s like their last resort to protect the air quality.

What Is GRAP 4 In Delhi NCR?

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a comprehensive strategy implemented by the Indian government to combat air pollution in the Delhi NCR region. GRAP is divided into four stages, with GRAP 4 being the most stringent and rigorous.

How does GRAP 4 work?

GRAP 4 is a four-stage plan, with each stage being invoked at a different AQI level. Stage 1 is the least severe, and Stage 4 is the most severe.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is responsible for deciding when to invoke each stage of GRAP. The CAQM is a statutory body that was formed in 2021 to coordinate air pollution control efforts in Delhi and the NCR.

When is GRAP 4 invoked?

GRAP-4 is invoked when the Air Quality Index (AQI) crosses 450. The AQI is a measure of the concentration of pollutants in the air. It is calculated using a weighted average of the concentrations of five major pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide.

The AQI is divided into six categories:

• Good (0-50)
• Satisfactory (51-100)
• Moderate (101-200)
• Poor (201-300)
• Very poor (301-400)
• Severe (401-500)

Key Measures Under GRAP 4

GRAP-4 employs a range of stringent measures to mitigate air pollution. Let’s delve into the actions that GRAP-4 takes:

1. Ban on Entry of Trucks

One of the immediate measures is the ban on truck traffic entering Delhi, except for those transporting essential commodities or offering essential services. This minimizes vehicular emissions that significantly contribute to air pollution.

2. Diesel Vehicle Restrictions

Delhi-registered diesel-operated Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs) and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) are prohibited from plying during this stage, except when carrying essential goods or offering essential services. Reducing the number of diesel vehicles on the roads is a critical move in combating pollution.

3. Educational Institutions Closed

In response to the escalating pollution levels, schools and colleges are temporarily shut down. The health and well-being of students and staff are a top priority during these times.

4. Remote Work Mandate

A significant percentage of government and private employees are mandated to work from home during GRAP-4. This measure minimizes traffic on the roads and reduces emissions.

5. Construction and Demolition Halt

To curb dust pollution, all construction and demolition activities are halted, ensuring that the air quality is not further compromised.

6. Public Transport Frequency Increase

The frequency of public transport is significantly increased to encourage the use of mass transit systems and reduce the number of private vehicles on the road.

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What should I do if GRAP-4 is invoked?

If GRAP-4 is invoked, there are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from air pollution:

• Stay indoors as much as possible.
• Avoid strenuous activity outdoors.
• Wear a mask when you are outside.
• Use an air purifier in your home.
• If you have a chronic health condition, such as asthma or heart disease, talk to your doctor about how to protect yourself from air pollution.

What can the public do to help?

The public can play an important role in helping to reduce air pollution. Here are some things that you can do:

• Avoid using your car whenever possible.
• If you must use your car, consider switching to an electric vehicle.
• Use public transport or walk whenever possible.
• Reduce your energy consumption at home and at work.
• Avoid burning wood or other biomass materials.
• Plant trees and other plants around your home and office.

By taking these steps, we can all help to create a cleaner and healthier environment for ourselves and for future generations.

Why is GRAP-4 important?

Air pollution is a major problem in Delhi and the NCR, and it can have a serious impact on public health. Exposure to air pollution can cause a number of health problems, including respiratory infections, heart disease, and cancer.

GRAP-4 is important because it helps to reduce air pollution levels and protect public health. The measures included in GRAP-4 are designed to reduce emissions from vehicles, construction activities, and other sources of air pollution.

What are the challenges of implementing GRAP-4?

Implementing GRAP-4 can be challenging, as it requires the cooperation of a number of different stakeholders, including the government, businesses, and the public.

One of the biggest challenges is enforcing the ban on truck traffic and diesel-operated vehicles. There are a large number of trucks that enter Delhi on a daily basis, and it is difficult to ensure that all of them are complying with the ban.

Another challenge is the economic impact of GRAP-4. The ban on construction and demolition activities can lead to job losses, and the closure of schools and colleges can disrupt the education of children.

Protect Yourself From Air Pollution In Delhi NCR

For residents of Delhi and the NCR, especially those who are young, elderly, or have chronic health conditions, safeguarding against air pollution is imperative. Here are some essential steps you can take:

• Stay Indoors: Whenever possible, stay indoors to minimize exposure to polluted outdoor air.
• Avoid Strenuous Outdoor Activity: Refrain from engaging in vigorous physical activities outdoors, as this can lead to increased inhalation of harmful pollutants.
• Wear a Mask: When venturing outside, wearing a mask, especially one designed to filter out pollutants, is highly recommended.

In conclusion, GRAP-4, the most severe stage of the Graded Response Action Plan, stands as the last line of defense against the devastating impact of air pollution in Delhi and the NCR. Its stringent measures are a testament to the severity of the problem and the need for immediate and effective action. Protecting yourself and your loved ones from the perils of polluted air is of utmost importance, and by following these guidelines, you can take steps to minimize the health risks associated with severe air pollution.

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