Amidst the rising cold and dense fog level in the Delhi NCR, the CAQM (Commission of Air Quality Management) has reimposed stage three restrictions of GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) due to declining Air Quality Index (AQI) and increasing air pollution. In a statement released by the CAQM on Thursday stated that the commission has decided to reinvoke GRAP III measures in the Delhi NCR as per the order of the Supreme Court, on the rising pollution in the region. The statement read, “AQI of Delhi which was recorded as 297 on January 8, exhibited a sharp increasing trend and has been recorded 357 at 4 pm on January 9 due to calm winds and foggy conditions.”
The panel further noted that the restrictions that come under the GRAP I and GRAP II criteria will remain imposed and the commission will keep on monitoring the AQI levels in the Delhi NCR region. The statement added, “Citizens are requested to strictly adhere to the citizen charter under GRAP Stage-III.”
What Are The Restrictions Under GRAP III Measures?
- Ban on private construction and demolition activities
- Studies in schools up to class five will run as per the hybrid model
- No use of BS-III and BS-IV Petrol
- Non-essential BS-IV vehicles operation allowed whereas medium goods vehicles will remain prohibited
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In a judgement of December 2024, the Supreme Court of India had guided the CAQM to impose the GRAP III measures in the Delhi NCR if the pollution level crosses 350 mark whereas GRAP IV is imposed in the condition when the AQI hits the 400 mark or is more than that. Pollution has been a big problem for the citizens living in the Delhi NRC. The rise in SMOG has decreased vision and is causing many breathing health issues.As per CAQM, AQI between 0 and 50 is “good”, 51 is 100 as “satisfactory”, 101 and 200 is “moderate”, 201 and 300 is “poor”, 301 and 400 is “very poor”, and above 400 is “severe”
