22 Nov 2024, Read Time : 2 Min
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GRAP 4 Regulations in Delhi NCR: What’s Allowed, What’s Banned, & Their Impact on the Tile Industry
Introduction
Delhi’s struggle with air pollution has reached a critical point, especially during winter. With pollution levels reaching the worst levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has imposed the Stage-IV actions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP 4) to manage the rising pollution levels. As the current air quality index (AQI) in Delhi is categorised as “severe-plus”, it has crossed the 450 mark. Because of this alarming AQI level, the government has implemented strict restrictions under the GRAP 4, including a vehicle ban in Delhi, a construction ban in Delhi, and shifting schools’ classes to online mode.
GRAP 4 Regulations Imposed in Delhi-NCR
| Category | What’s Allowed | What’s Banned |
|---|
| Truck Entry | - Trucks carrying necessary goods.
- Vehicles powered by eco-friendly fuels like LNG, CNG, or electric energy.
| - Truck transporting non-necessary products.
|
| Non-Delhi Registered Light Commercial Vehicles | - Vehicles carrying essential goods.
| - LCVs registered outside Delhi
|
| Delhi Registered Diesel MGV/HGV | - Vehicles carrying necessary goods or services.
| - Diesel vehicles (BS-IV or below) that are in the medium and large-sized goods sector.
|
| Construction & Demolition Activities | - Small personal constructions.
| - All major construction and demolition work.
|
| Schools | - Offline and online modes both for class 10 & 12 students.
| - Shift to the online mode, with physical sessions suspended for most students.
|
GRAP 4’s Impact on the Tile Industry
The tile industry, particularly businesses involved in construction, manufacturing, and supply, is going to experience significant challenges due to GRAP 4 restrictions. Construction is an important element that is driving the tile sector, and the ban on construction in Delhi has an impact on the entire supply chain.
- Manufacturing Delays: Tile manufacturing needs processes that generate considerable dust, including cutting, grinding, and mixing. Considering the Delhi AQI levels this month, GRAP 4 has restricted dust-producing activities, thereby, the tile production can slow down or even completely stop. Also, the Delhi construction ban means fewer raw materials will be required, and production lines may face closure or reduced hours. This may result in delays in order fulfilment and stock shortages.
- Reduced Demand: As there is a ban on construction in Delhi, the demand for tiles in homes and commercial projects is expected to drop. The construction ban news has already triggered concerns in the market, with tile suppliers bracing for a slowdown in sales. With very few new projects underway, the tile industry is most likely to see a drop in revenue, especially from the large construction contracts.
- Supply Chain Challenges: Another consequence of the ban on vehicles in Delhi is the restriction on transporting construction materials. For tile suppliers and distributors, this could result in logistical hindrances. Since the movement of construction materials is also limited, there may be delays in the delivery of tiles to renovation or construction sites, retail stores, and warehouses. These delays could lead to increased expenses and further disruptions in the market.
Conclusion
Implementing GRAP 4 in Delhi-NCR is a necessary and urgent step in addressing the region’s worsening pollution crisis. While the vehicle and construction ban due to Delhi’s pollution are necessary to address the alarming high AQI, these restrictions have a substantial impact on various sectors, especially the tile industry. These measures offer a glimpse of hope for a cleaner, healthier capital city, which will lead to a more favourable business environment in the long run.
600×1200 mm
