Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai inspected the Narela-Singhu border to see the implementation of stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The GRAP enforces a ban on the operation of Delhi-registered BS-IV and below diesel-operated medium goods vehicles (MGVs) and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), except for essential services.
Speaking to media persons, Gopal Rai highlighted the AAP government’s efforts to mitigate air pollution in the city. “The AAP government is continuously working to mitigate the pollution level in Delhi. Entry has been banned for those vehicles that cause pollution, as Grap 4 is implemented. Today, we have received several complaints that vehicles are being allowed to enter Delhi without proper checking; hence, I am here to inspect the same,” Gopal Rai said.
He further requested the officers posted on Delhi borders for surveillance to do their duty properly till the time Grap IV is there. “We (Delhi government) are trying to mitigate our share of pollution, but this is also true: air pollution is present in the whole of North India,” the Delhi environment minister said.
“I also request all state governments to follow the guidelines properly to reduce pollution levels,” he added. Stage IV of GRAP is effective from 08 AM, November 18, in response to worsening air quality in Delhi-NCR.
Meanwhile, the Railway Board has announced staggered work timings for its employees in the Delhi-NCR region due to increased air pollution, following the Central Government’s directive. The Board has also advised its officers and staff to carpool when using personal vehicles. “Owing to hazardous air quality levels in the Delhi NCR area, DoP&T (Department of Personnel and Training) has advised adopting the following measures with respect to officers located in Delhi/NCR,” the Board said in an order on Friday.