Delhi pollution: GRAP sub committee invokes Stage-III measures amid 'severe' air quality
PTC web Desk: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Thursday invoked Stage III restrictions of the anti-pollution Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR amid a rise in air pollution and a sharp decline in air quality. The decision comes after the Air Quality Index (AQI) for Delhi, which was 297 on January 8, showed a sharp increase, reaching 357 at 4 pm on January 9 due to calm winds and foggy conditions.
According to the CAQM, this action aligns with the Supreme Court's directives to enforce GRAP measures. In addition to the newly activated Stage III restrictions, Stage I and II measures will remain in place. Authorities will continue monitoring the AQI levels across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
The CAQM urged citizens to follow the guidelines outlined in the GRAP Stage-III citizen charter. On Thursday morning, Delhi was enveloped in shallow fog, with residents experiencing severe cold wave conditions. The minimum temperature was recorded at five degrees Celsius, with the maximum expected to reach 21 degrees Celsius, as per the India Meteorological Department's forecast.
Stage III restrictions, which were earlier lifted on January 5 due to improvements in AQI, have now been reinstated. The measures under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan include:
A ban on private construction and demolition activities
Schools up to Class 5 shifting to hybrid learning
A ban on the use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers
A prohibition on non-essential BS-IV diesel-operated medium goods vehicles
The Supreme Court had directed the CAQM to implement Stage III restrictions if the AQI surpasses 350 and Stage IV measures if the AQI exceeds 400 on any given day.
The Central Pollution Control Board classifies AQI readings as follows: 0-50 (Good), 51-100 (Satisfactory), 101-200 (Moderate), 201-300 (Poor), 301-400 (Very Poor), and over 400 (Severe).
- With inputs from agencies
