Another Lockdown? School, Colleges Go Offline, GRAP-4 Imposed, As Delhi-NCR Chokes Under Severe Air Pollution
Delhi Pollution Today: The national capital and its nearby areas are once again grappling with a severe air pollution crisis, forcing authorities to consider drastic measures, including the implementation of GRAP-4 restrictions. As the air quality index (AQI) soars to hazardous levels, schools and colleges have been ordered to shift to online classes to protect the health of students and staff.
GRAP-4 Implemented In Delhi-NCR To Combat Air Pollution
Delhi has activated stage 4 of its emergency anti-pollution measures as the city's air quality reached alarming levels. According to the reports, the air quality index stood at 481 at 7 am on Monday morning, a reading classified as "severe plus" which has serious health implications. Let's take a quick look at the restrictions that have been put in place to combat the serious air conditions in the national capital.
Truck Entry Ban: There will be a complete ban on the entry of non-essential trucks into Delhi, with exceptions made only for trucks carrying essential commodities, essential services, or those running on LNG, CNG, electric power, or BS-VI diesel engines.
Restrictions on Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs): LCVs registered outside Delhi will also be prohibited from entering the capital unless they are electric, CNG, or BS-VI diesel vehicles, with allowances for those involved in essential services.
Diesel Vehicle Ban: A strict ban will be imposed on Delhi-registered BS-IV and lower diesel-powered Medium and Heavy Goods Vehicles (MGVs and HGVs). Exceptions apply only to vehicles transporting essential goods or providing essential services.
Ban on Construction Activities: All construction and demolition (C&D) activities, including public infrastructure projects like roads, highways, flyovers, and power transmission lines, will be suspended. The ban extends to linear public projects such as pipelines and telecommunication work.
Schools: In-person classes will be suspended for all except for students of classes 10 and 12, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi announced as the city choked under alarming levels of pollution for the sixth straight day.
Government and Private Office Work Restrictions: Public, municipal, and private offices are required to operate at 50% capacity, with the remaining staff working from home. The central government will make a decision regarding work-from-home policies for its employees.
Possible Additional Measures: As the situation remains critical, NCR states and Delhi governments may consider further implementing additional emergency measures, such as closing colleges, educational institutions, and non-essential commercial activities, and permitting vehicles on an odd-even basis.
These emergency restrictions were announced on Sunday evening as the AQI in the national capital hit 457.
The serious health risks from significant air pollution cannot be overlooked. Research shows a clear link between high AQI levels and various health problems, such as respiratory issues, heart disease, and even mental health challenges. Children and the elderly are especially at risk, which is why educational institutes are choosing to prioritize safety over routine operations. Some of the other ways the body gets affected when smog-filled air enters the lungs are:
According to The World Health Organisation (WHO), smog is a dangerous blend of smoke, fog, and various chemical pollutants in the air. It primarily comes from burning fossil fuels, industrial emissions, and car exhaust. Breathing in this harmful concoction can have serious health implications, especially for our lungs. Now, let's understand what exactly smog-filled air does to our respiratory system.
One immediate consequence of breathing in smog is irritation in the respiratory system. The tiny particles and toxic substances found in smog can cause inflammation in our airways, leading to symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness.
Long-term exposure to smog can significantly impair lung function. Studies show that the pollutants in smog can gradually damage lung tissue, resulting in less effective oxygen intake. This reduction in lung capacity can leave individuals feeling fatigued and less capable of physical activities.
Breathing smog-filled air can pose serious long-term health risks. Chronic exposure can lead to severe respiratory ailments, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer.
Apart from these, for people who suffer from allergies or asthma, smog can be particularly problematic. The allergens in smog can provoke the immune system, resulting in asthma attacks or bouts of allergic rhinitis. Symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes can become much worse. Therefore, it's crucial for those affected to keep an eye on air quality and take precautions when smog levels rise.
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