CAQM enforces GRAP-III in Delhi-NCR as air quality set to turn ‘severe’

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday enforced Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR after forecasts indicated that air quality could slip into the ‘severe’ category in the coming days, according to Times of india.

The region has been battling elevated pollution levels for several months. In December, authorities had imposed all measures under GRAP-III when the Air Quality Index (AQI) touched the severe range. Low wind speeds, a stable atmosphere and unfavourable meteorological conditions had restricted the dispersion of pollutants, sharply worsening air quality.

On the transport front, BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers have been barred, along with non-essential diesel-powered medium goods vehicles and inter-state diesel buses that do not comply with CNG, electric or BS-VI norms.

Curbs were relaxed on January 2 after a brief improvement in the AQI, but the renewed spike in pollution has forced regulators to reimpose restrictions to prevent further deterioration.

Under Stage III measures, non-essential construction and demolition activities have been banned. The prohibition covers earthwork, piling, open trenching, welding, painting, plastering, tile and flooring work, as well as operations at ready-mix concrete plants. Transportation of construction materials such as cement, sand and fly ash on unpaved roads has also been stopped. Stone crushers, brick kilns, mining operations and industries using unapproved fuels have been ordered to shut.Exemptions have been granted to essential services and critical infrastructure projects, including metro, railway, airport, highway, defence, healthcare and sanitation works. Construction linked to such projects will be allowed under strict dust-control and waste-management guidelines.

Persons with disabilities may continue to use exempted vehicles, while authorities have urged residents to opt for public transport. Schools have been advised to consider hybrid or online classes up to Grade 5.

Officials said air quality will be monitored closely and additional measures will be taken if conditions worsen.