The Supreme Court has announced that emergency measures under Stage 4 of the GRAP for air pollution in Delhi will continue until Monday, with exception to modifications related to schools. An explosion was reported near a PVR theatre in Prashant Vihar, followed by an attack on an ED team investigating a money laundering case. The national capital recorded an AQI of 310, placing it in the 'very poor' category, with Mundka reaching an alarming level of 373. The situation is now under control, but concerns for air quality and safety remain high in Delhi.
Delhi's Air Pollution Crisis and Explosion Near PVR Theatre
Delhi, the capital city of India, has been battling severe air pollution in recent days, prompting the Supreme Court to extend emergency measures under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Meanwhile, an explosion near a PVR theatre in Prashant Vihar has further escalated concerns for public safety in the city.
GRAP Stage 4 Extended
On November 15, 2023, the Supreme Court announced that emergency measures under Stage 4 of the GRAP will remain in place until Monday, November 20. These measures include:
However, an exception has been made for schools, which will be allowed to reopen from Wednesday, November 16, as long as they adhere to strict COVID-19 protocols.
Explosion Near PVR Theatre
On November 14, an explosion occurred near a PVR theatre in Prashant Vihar, causing panic among the public. According to initial reports, the blast originated from a cylinder explosion in a shop near the theatre. No injuries have been reported.
Air Quality Status
Delhi's air quality has been in the 'very poor' category for several days, with an AQI (Air Quality Index) of 310. Mundka emerged as the most polluted area, recording an alarming AQI of 373. The situation has slightly improved, but concerns for air quality remain high.
Safety Concerns
The explosion near the PVR theatre has raised concerns for public safety in Delhi. The incident follows an attack on an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team investigating a money laundering case in south Delhi. These incidents have raised questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement and the safety of citizens in the capital city.
FAQs
Q1: What is the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)? A1: GRAP is a set of emergency measures implemented by the government to combat air pollution in Delhi. It has four stages, each with progressively stricter measures.
Q2: Why has GRAP Stage 4 been extended? A2: Stage 4 has been extended to prevent further deterioration of air quality and mitigate the health risks associated with air pollution.
Q3: What caused the explosion near the PVR theatre? A3: The exact cause of the explosion is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest it originated from a cylinder explosion in a nearby shop.
Q4: Has the air quality in Delhi improved? A4: The situation has slightly improved, but the air quality remains in the 'very poor' category.
Q5: What can citizens do to protect their health from air pollution? A5: Citizens can minimize their exposure to air pollution by wearing masks, avoiding outdoor activities, and using air purifiers in their homes and workplaces.
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