The Central government’s air quality panel, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), on Friday lifted restrictions under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). The decision follows a notable dip in pollution levels and comes a day after GRAP 4 restrictions were revoked.
Air Quality Improvement
In its statement, the CAQM explained that its sub-committee convened on Friday to evaluate the air quality scenario and forecasts from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).
“Based on the current air quality and meteorological forecasts, the Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to remain at the lower end of the ‘Very Poor’ category in the coming days due to favorable weather conditions and strong wind speeds,” the statement noted.
Continued Monitoring for Compliance
While the GRAP 3 restrictions have been eased, the CAQM emphasized that construction and demolition project sites previously penalized for non-compliance cannot resume operations without explicit permission.
GRAP Categories and Measures
GRAP outlines measures to tackle varying levels of air pollution, categorized into four stages:
- Stage 1 (Poor): AQI 201-300
- Stage 2 (Very Poor): AQI 301-400
- Stage 3 (Severe): AQI 401-450
- Stage 4 (Severe Plus): AQI above 450
Under Stage 3 restrictions, the following measures were implemented:
- Classes up to grade 5 shifted to hybrid mode, allowing parents and students to choose online education.
- Ban on the use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles in Delhi and NCR districts, with exemptions for persons with disabilities.
- Restrictions on non-essential diesel-operated medium goods vehicles meeting BS-IV or older standards.
Challenges During Winter Pollution
Delhi-NCR typically experiences hazardous air quality in winter due to unfavorable weather conditions, vehicle emissions, crop residue burning, firecracker usage, and other local pollution sources. The GRAP system helps manage these challenges through phased interventions based on real-time AQI levels.
The easing of GRAP 3 restrictions marks a temporary relief for the region as air quality shows improvement. Authorities will continue to monitor pollution levels closely and implement measures as needed.
Sources By Agencies