With Delhi’s air quality deteriorating, Environment Minister Gopal Rai has urged the transport ministers of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan to halt the entry of diesel buses into the national capital, aligning with the second stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
Key Measures Announced:
- Diesel Bus Restriction: Rai’s letter emphasizes the significant role of diesel bus emissions in contributing to air pollution. He has called for a ban on such vehicles or stricter emission standards for buses entering Delhi from neighboring states.
- Enhanced Dust Control: Measures like increased water sprinkling, use of dust suppressants, and additional traffic personnel have been initiated to tackle road dust and congestion.
- Collective Efforts Suggested: The Delhi government is open to collaborating with neighboring states to transition to CNG or electric buses for interstate travel, aiming for a sustainable solution.
Impact of Diesel Emissions
The minister highlighted that diesel emissions are a major contributor to Delhi’s air pollution, significantly degrading air quality and posing serious health risks to residents. The influx of diesel buses from neighboring states has worsened the situation as the Air Quality Index (AQI) has risen above 300, indicating a hazardous level.
GRAP-II Implementation
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a series of pollution control measures activated based on air quality levels. Delhi is currently operating under the second stage of GRAP, triggered by the drop in air quality to a critical level. These measures are designed to curb pollution sources as air quality deteriorates.
Minister Rai’s plea underscores the urgency of addressing air pollution, especially with the onset of winter when conditions tend to worsen.
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