The Commission for Air Quality Management on Friday lifted Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan across the National Capital Region after a sharp improvement in Delhi’s air quality, with pollution levels easing following rain and strong winds.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday withdrew Stage III measures of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region after a significant improvement in Delhi’s air quality.
In an official update, the CAQM said Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped from 380 a day earlier to 236 by 4 pm on January 2, showing a sustained downward trend. In view of the improvement, the CAQM sub-committee on GRAP decided to revoke all Stage III restrictions with immediate effect across the NCR.
However, preventive and regulatory measures under GRAP Stages I and II will continue to remain in force to prevent a fresh deterioration in air quality.
Stage III curbs had been imposed in December after air quality slipped into the severe category. These restrictions were first enforced in November as pollution levels rose sharply with the onset of winter. While the stricter GRAP IV measures were lifted last week following marginal improvement, Stage III curbs had remained in place until Friday.
Under GRAP III, non-essential construction and demolition activities such as earthwork, piling, open trenching, welding, painting, plastering and flooring were banned. Operations of ready-mix concrete plants, stone crushers, brick kilns and mining activities were also prohibited. Vehicular restrictions included a ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers, non-essential diesel-powered medium goods vehicles, and inter-state diesel buses not compliant with CNG, electric or BS-VI norms. Industries using unapproved fuels were required to shut down operations.
As of 5:30 pm on Friday, Delhi’s AQI stood at 230, categorised as ‘poor’, compared with ‘very poor’ levels recorded on New Year’s Day.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board, an AQI between 0 and 50 is classified as ‘good’, 51 to 100 as ‘satisfactory’, 101 to 200 as ‘moderate’, 201 to 300 as ‘poor’, 301 to 400 as ‘very poor’, and 401 to 500 as ‘severe’.
Parts of Delhi-NCR received light rain on Thursday morning, followed by strong winds that helped disperse pollutants suspended in the air.
Meanwhile, curbs under GRAP I and II remain in effect. GRAP I primarily focuses on dust control and industrial emissions, while GRAP II tightens restrictions further by limiting the use of coal and firewood, curbing diesel generator sets, increasing road sweeping and water sprinkling, and easing traffic congestion in high-density areas across the NCR.
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