Delhi Battles Smog: Traffic Police Tighten Grip with GRAP-I Measures
Delhi Traffic Police hold inter-state meeting to enforce GRAP-I measures, including bus diversions and PUCC checks, as AQI hits poor levels.
As the air quality in the national capital begins to deteriorate, the Delhi Traffic Police have moved into high gear to combat rising pollution. In a critical inter-state coordination meeting held on Thursday, authorities reviewed the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-I measures to ensure the city doesn't succumb to a severe smog crisis.
Strict Border Controls and Vehicle Restrictions
The crackdown is set to be rigorous. One of the primary strategies discussed during the meeting is the diversion of non-compliant buses at Delhi's borders. Furthermore, authorities are preparing to enforce strict vehicle entry restrictions starting from November 1, which will remain in effect until January 31.
The focus isn't just on the type of vehicle, but also on their environmental compliance. The Delhi Traffic Police will be intensifying checks for Pollution Under Control (PUCC) certificates. Commercial vehicles that are not destined for Delhi will be diverted at the borders to prevent unnecessary emissions within the city limits.
A Call for Public Cooperation
Speaking to the media, Vijayanta Goyal Arya, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic), emphasized that the department will make strategic deployments to keep traffic moving and minimize congestion during these enforcement drives.
"The first stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been implemented in Delhi. Accordingly, Delhi Traffic Police will make appropriate deployments to minimise congestion. We appeal to the public to keep their Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCCs) valid," stated ACP Vijayanta Goyal Arya.
The police have urged citizens to shift toward public transport to reduce the number of private vehicles on the road. Adhering to traffic regulations and ensuring vehicle fitness are being framed as collective responsibilities to improve the city's environment and reduce daily commuting inconveniences.
The AQI Crisis: By the Numbers
These emergency measures come at a time when the air quality has already dipped into concerning levels. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 226 at 7 am, placing the city in the "poor" category.
Hotspots of Pollution
While the city average was "poor," several areas experienced much worse conditions, falling into the "very poor" category:
- Jahangirpuri: 309 AQI
- Chandni Chowk: 307 AQI
Other areas recorded "poor" levels, including Patparganj (298), Rohini (291), Alipur (273), Bawana (275), and ITO (280). For context, the CPCB categorizes AQI between 201 and 300 as "poor," while 301 to 400 is deemed "very poor."
Broad-Spectrum Pollution Control
The inter-state coordination meeting didn't just focus on vehicles. The agenda included a wider fight against pollution, with agencies directed to curb road dust and construction-related emissions. The goal is the time-bound implementation of guidelines set by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), supported by strengthened real-time coordination between different state agencies to ensure no loophole is left open in the fight for cleaner air.