As Delhi gets some respite from toxic air and air quality improves, the Commission of Air Quality Management (CAQM) has lifted stringent pollution curbs under Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the national capital and surrounding areas with immediate effect. As the GRAP-III was revoked, the Commission lifted a ban on non-essential construction work and plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi-NCR. However, pollution restrictions under GRAP Stage-II and I, will continue in place in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Delhi's air pollution levels showed a declining trend and the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 324 at 7 pm. According to forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, the air quality situation is predicted to improve further owing to favourable conditions.
“Owing to the favourable meteorological conditions and continuous rains since early morning, the AQI of Delhi has been continuously improving and has been recorded as 348 at 5:00 PM, 341 at 6:00 PM and 334 at 7:00 PM and the trend/forecast suggest the AQI levels to further go down,” the CAQM said in its order.
“While GRAP Stage-III is being revoked, keeping in view the winter season when weather conditions may not be always favourable and in order to ensure that the AQI levels do not slip further, citizens are requested to strictly adhere to the citizen charter under GRAP Stages II & I.The Sub-Committee, shall be keeping a close watch on the air quality scenario and review the situation from time to time for further appropriate decision depending upon the Air Quality in Delhi and forecast made by IMD/IITM,” read the order.
Stage-III entails a ban on non-essential construction work in the private sector.Classes up to Class 5 are required to shift to hybrid mode under Stage-III. Parents and students have the option to choose online education wherever available. Under Stage-III, the use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars (four-wheelers) is restricted in Delhi and nearby NCR districts. It also bans non-essential diesel-operated medium goods vehicles with BS-IV or older standards in Delhi. Persons with disabilities are exempt.
Under GRAP Stage-II, measures such as mechanised sweeping of roads, use of anti-smog guns, and sprinkling water daily, will be taken to tackle dust with focused attention on identified air pollution hotspots. Power suppliers need to ensure uninterrupted supply so that the use of diesel generator sets can be minimised. Alerts will be issued through newspapers, television, and radio to advise people about air pollution levels. Ban on the use of coal and firewood will still be in place in Delhi NCR, including the use of tandoors at restaurants and hotels. Use of diesel generator sets will also not be allowed except for emergency and essential services under GRAP-II. All construction and demolition sites and industrial units which have specific closure orders against them are also not allowed to resume operations.
