Delhi pollution curbs lifted as GRAP Stage-3 revoked
PTC News Desk: As air quality sees positive trends, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) sub-committee has swiftly revoked the Stage-3 measures of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR. GRAP Stage-3, which included a complete cessation of construction and demolition activities (except for essential government projects), mining and stone crushing, as well as a ban on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles, has been lifted with immediate effect.
The CAQM noted that the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi has progressively improved, recording a value of 316 at 2:00 pm. This is 85 AQI points below the threshold for invoking GRAP Stage III actions (Delhi AQI 401-450). Ongoing preventive, mitigative, and restrictive actions under all stages, up to Stage III, are contributing to the sustained improvement in AQI.
Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) sub-committee revokes Stage-III of GRAP in the entire Delhi-NCR with immediate effect.
GRAP stage III involved a complete halt on construction and demolition work except for essential government projects, mining and stone crushing and… pic.twitter.com/HgeM72emfN — ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2024
In a statement, the CAQM mentioned, "The forecast by IMD/IITM also does not indicate any significant deterioration, and there is a likelihood of the AQI improving and remaining in the lower end or very poor category in the next few days."
The decision to impose GRAP Stage-3 restrictions was triggered by a sudden deterioration in air quality on a Sunday, marking the third instance in the winter season. Initially enforced on November 3, when the AQI exceeded 400 (402), the restrictions were lifted 27 days later, on November 29, following rainfall that brought the AQI below the 300-mark.
The second application of GRAP Stage-3 measures occurred on December 22, as air quality turned "severe" after nearly a month. The restrictions were subsequently lifted on January 1, aligning with improvements in atmospheric conditions.
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The implementation of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage 3 in Delhi-NCR entails a series of restrictions and exemptions aimed at addressing air quality concerns. Here's a detailed breakdown of the banned and exempted activities:
1. Banned Activities: Non-essential Construction and Demolition Work: All non-essential construction and demolition activities are temporarily prohibited to curb dust emissions.
2. Plying of BS-III Petrol and BS-IV Diesel Four-wheelers: Vehicles with BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel engines are restricted from operation during this stage.
3. Boring & Drilling Works: All boring and drilling activities are halted to prevent the release of particulate matter.
4. Movement of Vehicles on Unpaved Roads: To minimize dust generation, the movement of vehicles on unpaved roads is restricted.
5. Operations of Stone Crushers: The functioning of stone crushers is temporarily ceased to reduce air pollution from dust particles.
6. All Mining and Associated Activities: Mining activities, along with associated operations, are banned to control air quality.
7. Personal Use of Coal and Wood for Heating Purpose: The personal use of coal and wood for heating is restricted to address indoor air pollution.
8. Exempted Activities: Construction Projects Related to National Security or Defence, Projects of National Importance, Healthcare: Certain critical projects such as those related to national security, defence, and healthcare are exempted from the construction ban.
9. Construction Work Related to Railways, Metro Rail, Airports, Inter-state Bus Terminals, Power Transmission, Pipelines, Sanitation, and Water Supply: Essential infrastructure projects including those related to railways, metro rail, airports, power transmission, pipelines, sanitation, and water supply are exempted.
10. Linear Public Projects such as Highways, Roads, Flyovers, Overbridges: Construction activities pertaining to linear public projects like highways, roads, flyovers, and overbridges are allowed during this stage.
This nuanced approach aims to strike a balance between environmental concerns and the need for critical infrastructure development and maintenance in the region.
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(Inputs from agencies)
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