Gurugram has plunged into a severe air quality crisis, prompting authorities to enforce the strictest level of anti-pollution measures. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Sunday, following a sharp and dangerous deterioration in the city's air.
What Triggered the Emergency Action?
The immediate trigger for this drastic step was the alarming dip in air quality readings. The city's average Air Quality Index (AQI) spiraled into the 'severe' category, registering a worrying 458. This significant decline forced the hands of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board and district officials, who moved swiftly to implement the CAQM's directive.
Stage 4 of GRAP represents the highest alert level and is reserved for when the AQI is projected to cross the 450 mark. The implementation was not limited to Gurugram alone; the entire National Capital Region (NCR), including Delhi, was placed under these stringent curbs in a coordinated effort to tackle the toxic haze enveloping the region.
Key Restrictions Under GRAP Stage 4
The restrictions imposed are designed to slash emissions from major sources immediately. The most impactful measure is a sweeping ban on vehicle movement. All BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers are now prohibited from plying on Gurugram's roads. This rule applies to private vehicles and is a critical move to reduce vehicular pollution, a primary contributor to the city's foul air.
Furthermore, the curbs extend to several other polluting activities. There are stringent restrictions on the entry of trucks into the city, barring those involved in essential services. The operation of medium and heavy goods vehicles registered outside Delhi is also banned, with exceptions only for those carrying essential commodities. Additionally, all construction and demolition activities have been halted across the district, although critical public projects are exempted.
Enforcement and Public Advisory
Local authorities have been tasked with ensuring strict compliance. The Gurugram district administration and traffic police have initiated checks across the city to enforce the vehicle ban. Officials have urged residents to cooperate with the guidelines for the collective good.
In an advisory to the public, authorities have recommended that people limit outdoor activities, especially during the early morning and late evening hours when pollution concentrations are at their peak. Vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, have been advised to stay indoors as much as possible. Residents are also encouraged to use public transport or carpool if their vehicles are compliant with the current norms.
The invocation of GRAP Stage 4 underscores the severity of the air pollution episode facing Gurugram and the NCR. While these emergency measures aim to provide immediate relief, they also highlight the persistent challenge of air quality management in the region, especially as winter sets in and meteorological conditions become unfavorable for pollutant dispersion.
