As the air quality in Delhi continued to hover in the very poor category on Thursday, the Delhi Government decided to continue the ban on the BS3 and BS4 petrol and diesel cars despite GRAP-4 measures being relaxed by the Central agency.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said, “The way wind speed is low, scientists believe that it can improve further. The government has taken the decision that until air quality improves, GRAP 3 will continue in Delhi.”
The minister added the restrictions under GRAP IV have been modified and now include a ban on BS 3 petrol and BS 4 diesel vehicles with All India Permit, which were allowed to enter Delhi earlier.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed 400 in several places in Delhi at 9 am, but settled at 390 by 4pm, said the Central Pollution Control Board. At least 15 out of 38 monitoring stations of the Central Pollution Control Board recorded AQI in the “severe” category on Thursday, while 22 monitoring stations recorded AQI in the “very poor” category. NCR too reported unhealthy air.
GRAP Stage III requires a total halt to all construction and demolition operations, with the exception of critical government projects, mining, and stone crushing.
Delhi on Thursday recorded the season’s lowest minimum temperature at 9.2 degrees Celsius, two notches below the season’s average.
