NewKerala.com

Delhi Pollution Mystery: Why GRAP-3 Was Revoked Despite Rising AQI

AAP leader Gopal Rai is challenging the government's decision to revoke Stage-3 pollution control measures. He points out that current pollution levels are actually higher than when the restrictions were in place. Rai alleges the government is misrepresenting data instead of addressing the health emergency. The removal of GRAP-3 comes as hospitals report increased respiratory cases and air purifiers sell out across Delhi.

Key Points: Gopal Rai Questions GRAP-3 Removal Amid Delhi Pollution Rise

  • Gopal Rai questions timing of GRAP-3 removal amid worsening pollution levels
  • CAQM cited air quality improvement data from past three days
  • Rai alleges government is manipulating pollution figures instead of taking action
  • Stage-3 restrictions included construction ban and work-from-home mandates
  • Delhi hospitals report surge in respiratory cases amid pollution crisis
2 min read

Why was GRAP-3 revoked despite rising pollution: Gopal Rai

AAP leader Gopal Rai challenges government's decision to lift Stage-3 restrictions as Delhi's air quality worsens, alleging data manipulation and health crisis.

"The AQI today is higher than yesterday, yet Stage-3 restrictions were lifted - Gopal Rai"

New Delhi, Nov 27

AAP leader Gopal Rai on Thursday questioned the government's decision to revoke Stage-3 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR, alleging that the move was taken despite worsening air quality.

This comes as the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) withdrew Stage-3 measures on Wednesday after data reportedly showed improvement over the past three days. However, Rai claimed the decision was unjustified and raised concerns about transparency in pollution data monitoring.

Speaking to IANS, Gopal Rai said, "The way the BJP government is handling pollution raises many questions. A new question has emerged -- if today's pollution level is higher than yesterday's, why was GRAP-3 removed? The AQI today is higher than yesterday, yet Stage-3 restrictions were lifted. When pollution levels were lower, GRAP-3 was in force."

Rai argued that removing restrictions at a time when pollution traditionally peaks was irresponsible.

"This is the first time Delhi is witnessing pollution levels rise in winter, yet restrictions are being relaxed. The government should be working to reduce pollution, but instead it is misrepresenting data. This is a humanitarian crime against the people of Delhi, who are suffering health impacts," he said.

He further alleged that the government was manipulating figures instead of addressing the crisis.

"Air purifiers in Delhi have been sold out, and hospitals are witnessing a rise in respiratory cases. The government is not taking action and is instead hiding the data. Even if they can't control pollution, manipulating numbers is wrong," Rai added.

On Wednesday, CAQM cited a gradual improvement in air quality while announcing the withdrawal of Stage-3 curbs. With this rollback, Delhi will now operate under Stage-2 restrictions.

During winter, Delhi-NCR follows a graded protocol based on air quality levels -- Stage 1 (Poor, AQI 201-300), Stage 2 (Very Poor, AQI 301-400), Stage 3 (Severe, AQI 401-450), and Stage 4 (Severe Plus, AQI above 450).

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Wednesday said that with Stage-3 removed, the 50 per cent work-from-home rule for offices and hybrid mode for schools have been discontinued.

Stage-3 restrictions include a ban on non-essential construction, stone crushing, mining, and the operation of older diesel goods vehicles. Under revised measures, only Stage-2 restrictions will remain in place across Delhi-NCR.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Gopal Rai is absolutely right to question this. The timing is suspicious - just when construction and industrial activities were being restricted, they lift the ban. Common people are suffering while politicians play games with our health.
A
Anjali F
I work in Gurgaon and the air quality has been terrible this week. Removing work from home option now is really irresponsible. Many of my colleagues are having breathing issues. Government should prioritize public health over everything else.
M
Michael C
While I agree pollution is a serious issue, we should also consider the economic impact of prolonged restrictions. Many daily wage workers suffered during GRAP-3. Maybe the government is trying to balance health concerns with livelihood needs?
S
Siddharth J
The data manipulation allegations are serious. If the government is faking pollution numbers, that's criminal! My elderly parents are housebound because of the air quality. We need transparency and real solutions, not political blame games. 🙏
K
Kavya N
I bought an air purifier last week and it was indeed very difficult to find one. Stores said they were sold out. This shows how bad the situation really is. Government should stop denying the reality and take concrete action.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50