The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday revived the third phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi and NCR as air pollution levels soared. Thick smog blanketed the national capital, and its 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) stood at 371, placing it in the "very poor" category.
Forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology point to further air quality deterioration. In response, CAQM directed officials to immediately implement the Stage 3 restrictions to mitigate the impact.
"In an effort to prevent further deterioration of the air quality and in pursuance of the Hon'ble Supreme Court's directives, the Sub Committee on GRAP hereby decides to invoke ALL actions under Stage-III ('Severe' Air Quality of Delhi) of the extant Schedule of GRAP, with immediate effect in right earnest by all the agencies concerned in Delhi-NCR, in addition to the Stage-1 actions already in force," the CAQM notice read.
"Actions under Stages I, II, & III of the revised GRAP shall be implemented, monitored and reviewed by all the agencies concerned in the entire NCR to ensure that the AQI levels do not slip further. All implementing agencies shall keep strict vigil and intensify measures of the revised GRAP schedule. Citizens are requested to strictly adhere to the citizen charter under GRAP Stage-III," it added.
Key restrictions under GRAP Stage 3 are:
- Construction prohibited: All unnecessary construction and demolition work is prohibited.
- Education: Classrooms through fifth grade should switch to a hybrid mode, and parents can opt for online education.
- Vehicle ban: Restrictions have been imposed on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi and NCR regions, with exemptions for disabled persons.
- Goods transport: Non-essential diesel vehicles that are medium goods vehicles of BS-IV or above are prohibited in Delhi.
The reimposition of these measures aims to curb rising pollution levels and prevent the situation from worsening further.
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