News India Live, Digital Desk: Today, the festival of Diwali will be celebrated with great pomp across the country, but even before this celebration, alarm bells have rung for the people of Delhi and NCR. Even before the fireworks happening everywhere, the air of the capital has reached ‘very poor’ category, due to which it has become difficult for the people to breathe. A day before Diwali, at 8 am on October 19, Delhi’s average air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 335, which is very dangerous for health.

In view of the worsening situation, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented the second phase of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR with immediate effect without any delay.

What is GRAP-2 and how will it affect you?

The implementation of GRAP-2 simply means that now many types of restrictions will be imposed to control pollution. If you live in Delhi or nearby cities then it is very important for you to know these rules:

• Coal and wood closed in hotels and restaurants: Now the use of coal and wood for tandoor or cooking in restaurants and dhabas will be completely stopped.
• Cleaning of roads will increase: To control dust, water sprinkling on roads and cleaning with vacuum cleaners will be increased.
• Parking fees will be expensive: Parking fees may be increased to discourage people from using private vehicles.
• Metro-bus services will be increased: The administration will increase the services of CNG-electric buses and metro to promote public transport.

the coming days will be even more difficult

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the pollution level may become more dangerous in the coming days. When the smoke from Diwali firecrackers mixes with the already poisonous air, the situation can reach serious category. Doctors and health experts have advised people, especially children, the elderly and patients with respiratory diseases, to wear masks whenever they go out of the house. This is the time to be cautious, so that the joy of the festival does not outweigh the health.