The air has deteriorated in 10 districts of Haryana. The air quality index (AQI) of these districts has crossed 300. In view of this, the entry of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel light motor vehicles (LMV) has been banned in Gurugram and Faridabad districts with immediate effect. This moratorium will remain in force till January 7, 2024 or until the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) cancels the Graded Response Action Plan (GRP) Phase-III. However, vehicles deployed in emergency services, police vehicles and government vehicles used for enforcement are exempted. According to the order of Haryana Transport Commissioner, if any BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel 4 wheeler is found running in these two districts, the violators will be prosecuted under Section 194 (1) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 . This order has been issued in view of the deteriorating air quality in NCR and review of CAQM in this regard.
The Commission’s Sub-Commsittee on Implementing GRAP Phase-I and Phase-II Restrictions has recommended all actions under GRAP Phase-I and Phase-II, in addition to all actions envisaged under Phase-III of GRAP for ‘severe’ air quality. Implemented. “Taking note of the current trend of air quality and in an effort to prevent its further deterioration, the Sub-Committee decided that all actions envisaged under Phase-III of GRAP – ‘Critical’ Air Quality should be implemented with due seriousness. Go. All agencies concerned in NCR,” the commission’s December 22 order said.
Air Quality Index (AQI) between 0-50 is considered ‘good’, 51-100 is considered ‘satisfactory’, 101-200 is ‘moderate’ and 201-300 is considered ‘poor’.
An AQI reading between 301 and 400 means the air quality is very poor and prolonged exposure can cause respiratory illness.
AQI in the range of 401-500 falls in the ‘severe’ category, which seriously affects people suffering from existing diseases and causes problems even for healthy individuals.