The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) sub-committee takes swift action by revoking Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), thereby lifting the complete halt on construction and demolition work in the entire Delhi-NCR region.
Construction and vehicle bans lifted
GRAP Stage-3, which mandated a complete halt on construction and demolition work, excluding essential government projects, mining, and stone crushing, along with a ban on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles, has been lifted in light of improving air quality.
AQI improvement
The decision follows a notable improvement in the Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi, recorded at 316 at 2:00 pm. This reading is 85 AQI points below the threshold for invoking GRAP Stage III actions, indicating a positive trend in air quality.
Preventive actions ongoing
The CAQM emphasises that preventive, mitigative, and restrictive actions under all GRAP stages, up to Stage III, are currently underway, contributing to the potential sustained improvement in AQI.
Weather forecast supports improvement
The statement from CAQM refers to forecasts by IMD/IITM, indicating no significant deterioration in air quality. The likelihood of AQI improvement and remaining in the lower-end or very poor category in the coming days is highlighted.
Previous GRAP Stage-3 instances
GRAP Stage-3 measures were previously invoked on November 3 and December 22, lifting after 27 days and around 10 days, respectively, to address severe air quality conditions in Delhi-NCR during the winter season.
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