Jaipur : Restrictions of the fourth phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP 4) have been implemented in Alwar and Bharatpur districts of Rajasthan falling in the National Capital Region (NCR). Rajasthan Pollution Control Board issued an order on Tuesday morning and closed 3000 mines and industries in these two cities. Besides, the ongoing construction work in these areas has also been banned. These restrictions are also going to have an impact on traffic, because due to implementation of GRP-4, heavy vehicles will no longer be able to enter Alwar and Bharatpur. However, vehicles supplying essential commodities will remain out of the scope of this rule.
AQI reached above 200
Alwar’s air quality index was recorded at 233 on Tuesday morning. Whereas the air quality index of Bharatpur has been recorded at 267. If AQI level is between 0-50 then it is considered ‘good’. If AQI level is between 51-100 then it is considered ‘fair’. If AQI is between 101-200 then it is considered ‘moderate’. During this time, asthma and heart patients start having trouble breathing. Whereas if AQI level is between 201-300 then it is considered ‘bad’. Most people start having trouble breathing when exposed to this air for a long time. If AQI level is between 301-400 then it is considered ‘severe’. Prolonged exposure to it can cause respiratory diseases.
What is Grape 4?
A graded response action plan has been prepared to reduce pollution in the country’s capital Delhi and NCR areas. There are 4 levels of this plan. Grade-1 applies when AQI is between 201 and 300. During this time, measures like controlling dust and banning burning anything in the open are taken. Whereas when AQI reaches 301 to 400, Grade 2 is implemented. In this, water is sprayed on the roads. Also, a ban is imposed on running diesel generators. When AQI reaches between 401 to 500, then Group-3 is implemented. During this period there is a complete ban on construction work. Works like mining are stopped. Entry of BS3 vehicles is closed. School classes are made online. At the same time, when AQI level reaches above 500, Grape-4 is applicable. In this, except 10th and 12th, all classes are made online. Work from home is implemented in government and private offices.
