Amid a dip in air pollution levels, the Centre’s Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Monday revoked restrictions under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR. The decision comes as the city’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) fell below the 300 mark due to favourable meteorological conditions that aided the dispersion of pollutants.
GRAP Stage 3 restrictions included a ban on non-essential construction activities, limitations on the use of certain vehicles, and hybrid learning for students up to grade V. The revocation of these curbs marks a temporary relief for residents and industries affected by pollution-control measures.
Relief from Stage 3 Restrictions
Under Stage 3 of GRAP, several measures were in place to curb pollution, including:
- A ban on non-essential construction and demolition work.
- Shifting classes up to grade V to hybrid mode, allowing online learning as an option.
- Restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi and NCR districts (with exemptions for persons with disabilities).
- A ban on non-essential diesel-operated medium goods vehicles with BS-IV or older standards.
The lifting of these restrictions comes as the air quality index showed significant improvement, moving out of the “severe” category.
Delhi’s AQI and Pollution Trends
Delhi-NCR enforces GRAP measures every winter to tackle worsening air quality, which is categorized into four stages:
- Stage I (Poor): AQI 201-300
- Stage II (Very Poor): AQI 301-400
- Stage III (Severe): AQI 401-450
- Stage IV (Severe Plus): AQI above 450
During the winter season, Delhi’s air quality often deteriorates due to a combination of vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, paddy-straw burning, firecrackers, and adverse weather conditions that trap pollutants close to the ground. However, the recent improvement suggests that meteorological factors have facilitated the dispersal of pollutants, allowing authorities to ease restrictions.
While the revocation of Stage 3 curbs brings some relief, experts caution that air quality remains a concern, and citizens should continue to take preventive measures. The CAQM will continue to monitor pollution levels and may reimpose restrictions if needed.
Sources By Agencies