As Delhi's air quality continues to deteriorate, and reached emergency levels on Tuesday, as per the official data, it has been declared to be the worst in nearly 11 months. As a result, Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-3 has been implemented in Delhi. As of Tuesday, the city's average AQI as per the official data, stood at 428, this is worst since December 19 of last year, when the index read 451. This is a sharp rise from 362 AQI on Monday. Visibility too dropped to 600 metres at Safdarjung and 700 metres at Palam at 6.30am. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data continued to record 'severe' air quality levels across Delhi-NCR even on Wednesday morning.You May Like To Read: Delhi Air Pollution: Think Pollution Only Hurts Your Lungs? Doctors Say It Can Cause Strokes Too What Does GRAP 3 Mean For People?GRAP is a 9-point action plan that is being implemented to bring down pollution. The restrictions are imposed in Delhi, and comprises a list of the type of vehicles, which are allowed in the national capital. This means, if you do not live in Delhi, and are travelling via Delhi, you will also have to comply with the rules. Failure to do so may invite penalty. As per the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)'s statement: "Considering the ongoing trend in air quality and to prevent further decline, the sub-committee has decided to implement all measures under Stage III of GRAP – ‘Severe’ air quality (Delhi AQI between 401 and 450) – with immediate effect across the NCR."Read: Delhi Sees A 60% Surge In Patients With Eye Problems Due To Worsening Air Pollution, According To DoctorWhich Zones Are Affected?The enforcement zones include Delhi and NCR too, including Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar. Are There Any Other Restrictions? The restriction is not only on the vehicles, but also on dust-generating construction and demolition activities. The restrictions also include:Demolition WorkExcavation or Earthwork, which includes laying sewer, water, drainage, or electrical linesBrick or masonry workMajor welding and gas-cutting operationsPainting, cementing, plastering, or coating workTile cutting, grinding, and fixingWaterproofing and road repair or construction workLoading, unloading, or transfer of dust-generating materialsMovement of vehicles carrying construction materials on unpaved roadsTransportation of demolition wasteRead More: 1 in 7 Deaths In Delhi In 2023 Were Caused By Air Pollution, Revealed StudyThe Delhi Government has also announced that schools up to Class V would be conducted in hybrid mode. Apart from this, all stone crushers and mining operations across NCR has been ordered to shut down.What Are The GRAP Stages?GRAP operates on a tiered system, with different stages corresponding to varying levels of AQI. The goal is to implement specific measures at each stage to curb pollution and reduce public health risks. The different stages of GRAP are:Stage I: It is triggered when the AQI falls in the range of 201-300, which indicates “poor” to “very poor” air quality.Stage II: This happens when the AQI reaches between 301 and 400, reflecting “very poor” to “severe” conditions.Stage III: This is implemented when the AQI exceeds 400, which is categorized as “severe” air quality. This stage triggers more stringent measures to reduce pollution levels, with a focus on restricting outdoor activities, vehicle use, and industrial operations.Also Read: Delhi Air Pollution: Damage Risks Are Beyond Your Lungs, It Can Affect Your Kidney Too, According To DoctorHow Does Pollution Impact One's Health?Chronic pollution exposure aggravates oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. This means, with every breath you take, you inhale a toxic swamp.As per Pusan National University, long term air pollution exposure actually triggers allergic immune responses in the lungs. Furthermore, a 2022 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health also shows the negative impact on immune system with alarming and harmful air quality.As per another 2000 study, published by the British Society for Immunology, people living in areas with higher pollution levels show measurably different immune responses than those in cleaner environment.Air pollution contains toxins like particulate matter, ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. It also includes hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), such as lead, mercury, asbestos, benzene, and other volatile organic compounds. When one breathes this toxic and poisonous air the respiratory system bears the initial brunt of it. The pollutants then damage the delicate tissues lining your airways, and disrupts the barrier that normally prevents harmful substances from entering your body. When this first line of defense is compromised, pathogens find it easier to established infections.
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