Delhi NCR pollution update: GRAP-3 revoked by CAQM as air quality gets better…

Stage-III (GRAP-3) pollution control measures have been withdrawn with immediate effect in Delhi-NCR as the air quality in the region has improved significantly in the last couple of days, according to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). The Delhi government also confirmed the withdrawal of Stage-III curbs.

Stage-III measures in NCR had been in place for the last few days after the air quality in the region deteriorated to severe. Relief from the curbs will benefit the general public as well as commercial establishments across the NCR region. The CAQM has also ordered that Stage-I and Stage-II curbs be implemented in letter and spirit to avoid any sudden spike in air pollution. Measures such as stopping of construction activities, parking restrictions on private vehicles, and anti-pollution efforts are being enforced in the region.

Stage-III (Graded Response Action Plan-3) anti-pollution measures in the national capital region (NCR) were activated after the air quality in Delhi deteriorated to severe on the 24-hour air quality index. As part of Stage-III of the GRAP, no new concrete construction activity was allowed, bus entry numbers were reduced, and the control measures for air pollution were strictly implemented to deal with hazardous levels of particulate matter and other pollutants. Now that the Stage-III curbs have been lifted, all restrictions will be lifted in Delhi and other NCR areas.

Authorities have, however, made it clear that the first two stages of GRAP, Stage-I and Stage-II, will be implemented in letter and spirit. Stage-I includes measures such as implementation of anti-pollution measures, stricter vehicle emission checks, and ban on waste and biomass burning, among other steps to keep air pollution in check. Stage-II measures include steps such as stricter control on construction dust, vehicular pollution checks, dust suppression on roads, and restrictions on trucks.

The CAQM said in its order, “On the basis of the analysis of AQI trend of last few days and the weather forecast done by the sub-committee, it is decided to withdraw Stage-III GRAP (GRAP-3) in the Delhi NCR region with immediate effect.”

In the last two days, the air quality in Delhi-NCR had been steadily improving. Delhi has recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 213 at 10 AM today. This comes after the city’s AQI entered severe category in the early hours of Wednesday. Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI on Wednesday was 223. It had reached 368 on the AQI on Monday. Many areas in Delhi had recorded severe air quality earlier. Today, most parts of Delhi are showing AQI in poor category. The air quality in Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Noida is also in the poor category.

In a separate order, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has directed officials to strictly implement and strictly implement Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). According to Stage-I of the GRAP, all pollution control measures are to be implemented strictly to keep air pollution in check. Among other measures, vehicle emission checks will be more strictly enforced, and dust suppression measures will be in place on roads and construction sites.

The CAQM is expected to continue to monitor air quality on a daily basis and issue orders to increase or decrease anti-pollution measures as required. The CAQM said in its order, “The status of implementation of GRAP and results thereof will be monitored on a day-to-day basis by the Sub-Committee constituted under these regulations, which will also take necessary action for compliance and preventive measures.”