World Cup 2023: Delhi may see more curbs on bursting of firecrackers if India win title, says report

India will take on Australia in the final of the World Cup and considering the form the hosts have been in, they look favourites to win the title.

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While the preparations ahead of the final are in full swing in Ahmedabad, concerns remain on the air quality in Delhi amid the worsening air pollution in the national capital.

With fans likely to burst firecrackers should India go onto win the World Cup, the situation around the air quality in Delhi could worrisome.

This situation, if it does occur at all, might result in the extension of GRAP IV restrictions to Delhi. The matter was discussed in a recent review meeting attended by the senior officials in the presence of the chief secretary, focusing on the enforcement of GRAP IV measures.

As per a report published by The Times of India, a senior Delhi government official said, “The continuation of GRAP IV could be extended for a few more days due to the rising instances of stubble burning, slow wind speed, and the possibility of widespread firecracker use if India wins the final on Sunday. This was deliberated upon in the review meeting.”

While the Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas decides on GRAP implementation based on AQI, this review and report by government agencies play a key role.

As per the report, a dedicated six-member special task force has been put in place in order to ensure proper implementation and monitoring of GRAP rules.

The team comprise the special commissioner of transport, DCP (HQ) traffic police, deputy commissioner, revenue (HQ), and chief engineers of MCD and PWD. They will be primarily responsible for coordinating daily with departments, addressing challenges, and providing the government with all reports pertaining to the GRAP implementation report.

The Transport Department and Delhi Police have already deployed 84 and 284 teams, respectively, in order to enforce these fines. The report went on to mention that since November 3, 19,227 vehicles have been fined for violating vehicle pollution checks. Under GRAP-4, 6,046 trucks unrelated to essential goods and services have been turned away from Delhi’s borders, and 1,316 vehicles entering Delhi have been fined.