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Rajasthan's Pollution Crisis: GRAP-3 Hits Alwar, Bharatpur Amid Delhi Smog

The Central government has triggered GRAP-3 emergency measures as Delhi's air quality plunged into the severe category. These strict restrictions now extend to Rajasthan's Alwar and Bharatpur districts within the NCR region. Vehicle bans are causing major transport disruptions with BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel cars prohibited from traveling toward Delhi. Meanwhile, construction halts and school closures add to the comprehensive response against the worsening pollution crisis.

Key Points: GRAP-3 Air Pollution Curbs Extended to Rajasthan's Alwar Bharatpur

  • BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel vehicles completely banned across NCR including Rajasthan districts
  • Non-essential construction activities halted with stone crushers and mining suspended
  • Schools up to Class 5 shift to online classes amid pollution emergency
  • Transport routes through Bharatpur, Alwar disrupted with vehicles stranded on highways
2 min read

GRAP-3 implemented in Rajasthan's Alwar, Bharatpur as air quality worsens

Strict vehicle bans and construction halts imposed in Alwar and Bharatpur as Delhi's severe air pollution triggers GRAP-3 emergency measures across NCR region.

"Delhi's Air Quality Index surged from 362 to 430, placing it in the 'severe' category - Commission for Air Quality Management"

Jaipur, Nov 12

In view of the alarming rise in pollution levels across the National Capital Region (NCR), including Delhi, the Central government has implemented the third phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-3).

As part of this measure, restrictions that were already enforced in Delhi and its adjoining regions will now extend to Alwar and Bharatpur districts of Rajasthan, both of which come under the NCR region. Under GRAP-3, several strict curbs have been imposed to combat deteriorating air quality. The use of BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel vehicles has been completely banned in Delhi-NCR, a rule that will now apply to vehicles in Alwar and Bharatpur as well.

Consequently, such vehicles travelling from Rajasthan towards Delhi will be stopped, while only cargo vehicles carrying essential goods will be permitted to move. The new restrictions are expected to cause disruptions in transport routes passing through Bharatpur, Alwar, and Bhiwadi, leaving several vehicles stranded on the highways.

According to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the decision to implement GRAP-3 was taken after Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) surged from 362 to 430, placing it in the 'severe' category.

These new measures are in addition to the restrictions already in force under GRAP Stages 1 and 2.

While the AQI in Alwar currently stands at 120, the rules will still be applicable there as a preventive step, whereas Bhiwadi's AQI has touched 380, indicating hazardous air quality levels. As per GRAP-3 guidelines, private BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel vehicles will be prohibited, non-essential construction and demolition activities will be stopped, and trucks carrying materials such as cement and sand will not be allowed.

Diesel buses from within and outside Delhi will remain banned, while schools up to Class 5 will be closed with classes shifting online. In addition, stone crushers and mining activities will be suspended, diesel generators will be permitted only for emergency use, and offices will be advised to adopt work-from-home or hybrid operations. Along with pollution concerns, cold conditions have intensified across Rajasthan in the past 24 hours.

The minimum temperature dipped below 10 degrees Celsius in nine cities, with Fatehpur recording the lowest temperature at 6.9 degrees. In the state capital, Jaipur, the minimum temperature was 13.6 degrees

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone living in Alwar, I appreciate the preventive approach. Our AQI is 120 but better to act now than wait for it to become like Delhi's 430. The morning walks are becoming difficult with this pollution.
A
Arjun K
BS-3 vehicle ban will hit many middle-class families hard. We bought these vehicles legally just a few years back. Government should provide some compensation or exchange scheme. This feels unfair to common people.
S
Sarah B
Good to see comprehensive measures including construction bans and work-from-home recommendations. The combination of cold weather and pollution is making life miserable. Hope industries also follow these guidelines properly.
V
Vikram M
Bharatpur's transport routes getting affected will impact local businesses. Many goods move through this corridor. Hope the essential goods exemption works smoothly. Need better public transport alternatives too.
M
Michael C
While I support pollution control, implementation needs to be better planned. Stranded vehicles on highways create their own pollution and safety issues. There should be proper notice periods for such major changes.
K
Kavya N
The online classes for younger kids is a good move. My daughter in Class 3 has been having breathing issues. But we need long-term solutions, not just emergency measures every winter. 🌱

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