Delhi air pollution latest update: The restrictions imposed under GRAP-3 were on Friday revoked in Delhi and the National Capital Region as air quality improved in the area following continuous rain since Friday morning. Earlier this week, the Central government's air quality monitoring panel revoked Stage IV ('Severe+') measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) following an improvement in air quality.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in a statement said that because of the favourable meteorological conditions and continuous rains since early morning, the AQI of Delhi has been continuously improving and has been recorded as 348 at 5:00 PM and 341 at 6:00 PM & 334 at 7:00 PM.
However, the measures under stages 1 and 2 will continue to remain in force to manage pollution levels. GRAP Stage 3 entails a ban on non-essential construction work in the private sector. Classes up to grade 5 are required to shift to hybrid mode under Stage 3. Parents and students have the option to choose online education wherever available.
Under Stage 3, the use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars (4-wheelers) is restricted in Delhi and nearby NCR districts. Persons with disabilities are exempt. Stage 3 also bans non-essential diesel-operated medium goods vehicles with BS-IV or older standards in Delhi.
The Stage IV measures were initially invoked in line with the Supreme Court's directives, when AQI levels breached the 400 mark on December 16. The measures were aimed at curbing severe pollution levels and included restrictions on industrial activities, construction, and entry of non-essential trucks into Delhi.
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures implemented in Delhi-NCR to tackle air pollution based on the severity of the Air Quality Index (AQI). The centre's air quality panel stressed the importance of continued vigilance. "Actions under Stage I, II, and III of the revised GRAP shall remain invoked and be implemented, monitored, and reviewed by all the agencies concerned in the entire NCR to ensure that the AQI levels do not slip further," the commission said in its order.
Citizens were also urged to adhere to guidelines under Stage III. "Keeping in view the winter season, when weather conditions may not always be favorable, and to ensure that AQI levels do not slip further, citizens are requested to strictly adhere to the Citizen Charter under GRAP-III," the commission added.
The CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP assured that it would continue to monitor air quality and issue appropriate directives as necessary, stating, "The Sub-Committee shall be keeping a close watch on the air quality scenario and review the situation from time to time for further appropriate decisions depending upon the air quality in Delhi and forecasts made by IMD/IITM."
