Dholpur : Graded Response Action Plan (GRAPE-4) has been implemented after the air quality index reached dangerous levels in Dholpur NCR. Despite this, the claims made for pollution control in this district of NCR and the strict steps taken by the administration appear to be only paper orders. Construction work is going on in full swing in many areas of the city and crushers are running in full swing in the area. This is blatant flouting of rules and administrative orders.
Pollution reached dangerous level
Recently, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi had crossed 500, which falls in the ‘severe’ category. However, now there has been slight improvement. But the situation is still worrying. With the implementation of Grape-4, the rules for pollution control have been made more stringent. Under these rules, all construction work causing dust and pollution is completely banned. Despite this, construction work is going on in many areas.
Violation of rules and failure of administration
Under Grape-4, strict restrictions have been imposed on works like road construction, drilling, boring, excavation and stone crusher. Apart from this, vehicle movement on unpaved roads and vehicles carrying construction materials have also been banned. These rules are being openly violated in various parts of the city. Contrary to the claims of the Pollution Control Board and the authority, our special investigation found that prohibited activities were going on at many places. An official of the Pollution Board said that teams are investigating in different areas. Whereas the impact of these efforts is negligible at the ground level. Let us tell you that increasing pollution in NCR is not only a challenge for the administration. Rather, it is also having a deep impact on the health of the residents here. Strict enforcement of restrictions issued under Group 4.
