As the Delhi’s 24-hour average air quality index stood at 399 on Friday, just two notches below the severe category, the Centre's air quality panel directed implementation of curbs under stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR, including a ban on non-essential construction and demolition work.
The sub-committee on GRAP, at a review meeting, noted that the AQI is likely to slip into the severe category due to calm winds and stable atmospheric conditions.
It directed authorities in Delhi-NCR to invoke curbs under stage III of the anti-pollution plan with immediate effect. GRAP is a set of anti-air pollution measures followed in the Capital and its vicinity according to the severity of the situation.
Non-polluting activities such as plumbing, carpentry, interior decoration and electrical works are allowed.
The next stage — "Severe Plus" category or Stage IV — includes steps like a ban on the entry of trucks into Delhi, allowing 50 per cent of staff to work from home in public, municipal and private offices,closure of educational institutions and the plying of vehicles on an odd-even basis, etc.
