Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Tuesday that the Delhi Metro trains would increase an additional 40 trips daily, and the frequency of DTC buses would be increased to encourage public transport as rising air pollution engulfed the National Capital.
At a Press conference, he also said that 1,800 more traffic personnel would be deployed at 97 points and inspections at construction demolition sites would be intensified.
These are the GRAP-II rules, which Rai imposed on Tuesday as the air quality index (AQI) crossed over 300 in North India.
The GRAP Action Plan entails some initiatives, such as mechanical and vacuum sweeping of identified roads daily and water sprinkling.
There will be an increase in water sprinkling at all the hotspots of pollution, and over 6,000 MCD employees and all neighboring states will be asked not to use diesel buses in Delhi.
A coordination committee has been formed that will visit each hotspot every day under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner and monitor how the action plans are being implemented in those areas,” said Gopal Rai.
Delhi woke up to ‘inferior’ air quality on Tuesday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 385, nearly at 8 am, said the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
GRAP-II IN NORTH INDIA
Earlier in the day, Rai said five new initiatives have been added to GRAP-II, and diesel generators are being regulated.
“Five new initiatives have been introduced in GRAP-II. Diesel generators will be regulated. Parking costs for vehicles will be increased so that people don’t use their cars for commuting. The aim is to reduce dust and vehicular pollution further,” the Environment minister said.
An official meeting with senior officers has also been summoned to streamline GRAP-II implementation in Delhi NCR. The Commission for Air Quality Management made the order on Monday after the region’s overall Air Quality Index dropped into the ‘very poor’ category.
