Noida,  Ignoring the GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) rules in the NCR has started taking a toll on the people. The GRAP has been implemented in Delhi-NCR from October 1, this time fifteen days in advance.

Under the GRAP, if the AQI is over 300, then there will be curbs on operating diesel generators. Big societies, hospitals, hotels have been permitted to run diesel generators for only two hours per day and and the curbs will get stricter as the AQI increases. There will be no curbs on CNG, PNG, and LPG generators and generators with Retrofit Emission Control Device and dual fit kit.

RECD and dual fit kit in diesel generator reduces pollution by 90 per cent. A fine will be imposed for burning garbage, if construction material is kept in the open, construction and demolition work is not stopped even after AQI crosses 400, roads are not cleaned and sprinkled with water, anti-smog gun is not installed at construction sites, coal and wood is being used in ovens at dhabas and hotels and bio medical waste from hospitals is not disposed off.

Special teams have already started imposing fines on those ignoring the GRAP rules, especially in Noida. If one were to estimate, so far fines of 3.30 lakh have been imposed in the last two days. On Monday, plot number B 30 located in Phase 2 area, A 64 in Sector 80, plot number 16 and 17 in Sector 83 were found undertaking construction work without abiding by the rules and were fined.

The air quality index has been fluctuating since the implementation of the GRAP system. Both Noida and Greater Noida are in the Yellow Zone. On Sunday, from among the NCR cities, the air quality of Greater Noida reached the Orange Zone in the poor category with an AQI of 220. There was an improvement on Monday as the AQI of Noida was measured to be 130 and that of Greater Noida was 137. Both the cities were included in the Yellow Zone.