Delhi Under Smog Crisis; GRAP 3 Restrictions Enforced Amid Severe Air Pollution
Delhi, the capital city recognized worldwide for its pulsating culture as well as landmarks, is now also threatened by full-fledged alarming air pollution. Forcing a thick blanket of smog on the residents, the Red Fort is hardly noticeable along with much of the rest of the city as pollution levels in the national capital continue to be precariously high. In the face of this hazard and reduced visibility, air quality levels deteriorated to hazardous levels.
As a result of poor air quality, the Delhi government has imposed GRAP 3 restrictions across the National Capital Region (NCR). This is a part of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) that has been implemented to fight severe pollution levels prevailing in the city. It includes the ban on all types of construction, demolition, and non-essential mining because GRAP 3 aims at controlling particulate matter in the air. Interstate buses are also prohibited under such restrictions, thereby cutting down additional sources of pollution in the region.
In fact, virtual learning has been instructed to be made compulsory for the primary schools of Delhi as part of the GRAP 3 measures. Children's health can be considered the first priority during such a high level of pollution, and this move is protecting young kids' well-being. Many parents and educators have supported the online classes shift, given the alarming air quality index that currently classifies Delhi's air as "severe."
One of the worst-hit places is actually one of the most important historical sites of Delhi-Red Fort. Thick smog can be easily seen surrounding this UNESCO World Heritage site, which only goes on to underscore the problems the city has been facing vis-a-vis its environmental affairs. Pollution in the capital city of India has been and remains at a pretty high level, prompting urgent measures from the government and environmental agencies.
Experts say that this level of pollution is mainly due to vehicular emissions, stubble burning from the neighboring states, and construction works in the city. Things take a turn for the worse when the winter sets in as pollutants get trapped due to low windspeeds and high humidity.
The public is strictly advised to stay indoors, wear N95 masks, and limit outdoor activities as the situation gets worse. The authorities are also urging residents to obey new directives to get pollution levels under control and hence mitigate health risks.
Continue getting updates on the latest news on Delhi's air pollution and discover the GRAP 3 restrictions enforced, and every other environmental measure devised.
Also read:Breaking: Delhi Schools To Hold Online Classes Due To Pollution, Announces CM Atishi
