Rising air pollution level has once again forced the authorities to impose vehicle ban on BS 3 petrol and BS 4 diesel cars as the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for Delhi and its adjoining area has imposed the Stage-III (‘Severe’ Air Quality) measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi-NCR with immediate effect. The stage 3 also bans the entry of non-essential BS 4 diesel trucks into Delhi. The restrictions are not applicable for commercial vehicles involved in essential services “Persons with Disabilities shall be permitted to ply BS - III Petrol / BS - IV Diesel LMVs, provided that these are specifically adopted for them and are run only for their personal use,” the CAQM said in a statement. GRAP Stage 3, which was revoked on Sunday, entails a ban on non-essential construction work.
The CAQM has confirmed that the actions under Stage-I and Stage-II of the revised GRAP will remain enforced. These measures will continue to be implemented, monitored, and reviewed by the relevant agencies in the entire NCR to prevent any further deterioration in air quality. Under Stage III, classes up to 5 are required to shift to hybrid mode. Parents and students have the option to choose online education, wherever available. The restrictions also include banning of road construction activities and major repairs. The government may take a decision to stagger timings for public offices and municipal bodies in other areas of NCR.
Delhi’s average AQI clocked 357 today at 4PM, i.e. ‘Very Poor’ Category (AQI ranging between 301-400); CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP observed that the AQI of Delhi which was recorded as 297 on 08.01.2025, exhibited a sharp increasing trend and has been recorded 357 at 4:00 PM on 09.01.2025 owing to calm winds and foggy conditions.
“According to CAQM, forecasts from IMD/ IITM also suggest a likelihood of the average AQI of Delhi to particularly remain in this adverse range for a few days owing to unfavorable meteorological conditions. The Sub-Committee accordingly decides to invoke the 9-point action plan as per Stage-III of revised GRAP in the entire NCR with immediate effect, in an effort to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region;
All actions as envisaged under Stage-III of the revised GRAP, be implemented in right earnest by all the agencies concerned in NCR,with immediate effect, in addition to all actions under Stages I & II of revised GRAP already in force,” the CAQM said.
