New Delhi, October 30: Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) Chairman Bhure Lal on Tuesday said that from November 1, Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi and NCR will be implemented. He said that this move will help reduce air pollution in the national capital. He further added that if the plan fails then EPCA have to stop plying of private vehicles and only public transport will be used on Delhi roads. Private Vehicle Won't be Allowed on Delhi Roads if Air Quality Gets Worse, Warns Pollution Control Board.

"From Nov 1 our graded action response plan will be implemented. Let us hope Delhi air pollution situation doesn't deteriorate or else will have to stop plying of private vehicles, only public transport will be used," said Bhure while speaking to ANI. Ban on 15-Year-Old Petrol And 10-Year-Old Diesel Vehicles Ordered by Supreme Court in Delhi NCR Amid Rising Air Pollution.

The authorities in Delhi have also ordered 113 industries to shut down for not converting to Piped Natural Gas (PNG). Of 113 units, 67 are located in Bawana and Narela industrial areas. This comes after the high-level meeting between Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal and Delhi government to curb air pollution. To maintain law and order Environment Marshals will be deployed in the night for patrolling in industrial areas.

What is the Graded Response Action Plan?

Graded Response Action Plan is prepared for implementation when the Air Quality Index (AQI) category reaches moderate & Poor, Very Poor, Severe and Severe+ or Emergency. The plan has different ways of prevention and control of air pollution based on the AQI category. For example, if AQI reaches Severe + or Emergency, then all the truck from other states will be banned (except truck carrying essential commodities), Construction work will be stopped and Introduction of the odd-even scheme. The task force in such a case will also take a decision on any additional steps including shutting of schools. Here is the complete detailed plan 

The AQI in Delhi's Lodhi Area on Tuesday morning was recorded at PM 2.5 at 280 and PM 10 at 280 both in the 'poor' category.  The main reason for deteriorating air quality is considered as stubble burning in the neighbouring states of Haryana and Punjab.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 30, 2018 02:57 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).