Delhi's air quality has become worse on Saturday. Due to this, the air quality reached “severe” category in many areas. To deal with air pollution, Delhi government has implemented the third phase of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Now laying emphasis on anti-pollution measures, a fine of Rs 5.85 crore was imposed on Saturday on the first day and action was taken against pollution.
The 24-hour air quality index (AQI) of the capital was 417 at 4 pm. This was the worst in the country, while the AQI level on Friday was 396.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) says that the air in the “severe” category is quite harmful and is dangerous for the health of healthy individuals. Due to this, people's health is badly affected.
According to the data released by the Central Pollution Control Board, out of the 39 monitoring stations in Delhi, the air quality of all except Sri Aurobindo Marg was in the severe category and their AQI level was above 400.
After Delhi, the air quality in Haryana remained very bad. Jind recorded an air quality of 394, while neighboring Bahadurgarh stood third with a reading of 388.
Let us tell you that AQI between 0 to 50 is considered 'good'. There itself, Air quality of 51 to 100 is considered 'satisfactory', AQI of 101 to 200 is 'moderate', AQI of 201 to 300 is considered 'poor', while AQI of 301 to 400 is 'very poor' and AQI of 401 to 450 is considered 'poor'. AQI is considered 'severe' and above 450 is considered 'severe plus'.
Many restrictions have been imposed under the third phase of GRAP on Friday. Authorities have started action against those violating the rules. Teams of transport department, traffic police and others are taking action against the violators.
On Friday, Delhi Traffic Police issued around 550 challans for violating the ban on running of BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles. Under the third phase of GRAP, the police imposed a fine of more than Rs 1 crore on the first day of the ban. Let us tell you that there is a provision to impose a fine of Rs 20,000 for violating the rules of GRAP. A ban has been imposed on diesel and petrol inter-state buses, except BS VI diesel, coming to Delhi from NCR cities.
Police has also taken action against vehicles not having Pollution Control Certificate (PUCC). On Friday, the police imposed a total fine of Rs 4.85 crore on 4,855 vehicles violating pollution norms. Let us tell you that there are provisions to impose a fine of Rs 10,000 on those who do not have PUC certificate. These challans are imposed by the court. On Saturday, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai inspected the Kashmere Gate Interstate Bus Terminal. He alleged that BJP-ruled neighboring states are increasing air pollution in the capital by sending BS-4 diesel buses despite the ban.
