Delhi revokes Stage-4 GRAP curbs as AQI improves; other restrictions remain in place
At 5 pm, AQI stood at 364, which is 36 points below threshold for invoking Stage-4 measures as per Supreme Court's directive
PTC Web Desk: The stringent anti-pollution measures under Stage-4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) have been revoked in Delhi and its neighbouring regions due to a dip in pollution levels. The air quality index (AQI) in Delhi has been showing consistent improvement since morning, according to the committee overseeing the GRAP curbs. At 5 pm, the AQI stood at 364, which is 36 points below the threshold for invoking Stage-4 measures as per the Supreme Court's directive.
Despite the easing of Stage-4 restrictions, the curbs under Stages 1, 2, and 3 will remain in effect to prevent further deterioration of air quality, said the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). "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 AQI levels do not slip further," the commission stated in its official order.
Stage-4 restrictions were reimposed nearly 10 days ago when the AQI crossed the 400 mark, leading to the imposition of stricter measures such as halting all construction activities, barring non-essential polluting trucks from entering Delhi, and mandating hybrid mode for school classes, excluding classes 10 and 12.
According to the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, the AQI is expected to remain in the “very poor” category in the coming days due to favourable meteorological conditions and wind speeds. These conditions are expected to prevent significant improvement in air quality.
The GRAP is a set of emergency measures enforced in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) to address air pollution based on the severity of the AQI. Every year, Delhi faces a significant dip in air quality during the winter months due to lower wind speeds, vehicular emissions, and the burning of crop residue and firewood.
Recently, the Delhi government also imposed a year-round ban on firecrackers, prompting the Supreme Court to direct neighbouring states like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to implement similar measures.