The air quality in Delhi continues to remain in ‘very poor’ category, as AQI was recorded at 332 at 6 am on Friday, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) took stock of the enforcement and implementation measures under the Schedule of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in view of the rising pollution levels in Delhi. The CAQM considered several critical issues during its meeting, which included revised GRAP directions for schools and institutions.

AQI recorded from other parts: Bawana (434), Shadipur (398), Rohini (381), Jahangirpuri (384), Narela (383), Patparganj (352), Okhla Phase-2 (327), R K Puram (334), Anand Vihar (393), Ashok Vihar (357), Najafgarh (325), Punjabi Bagh (370), ITO (320).

GRAP 4 Restrictions To Remain Till December 2

The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered that GRAP Stage IV measures, currently in force to tackle the severe air quality in Delhi, will continue to remain in operation except in schools till December 2.

CAQM will hold a meeting to decide on easing the GRAP restrictions, stated a bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih.

The bench ordered, “We make it clear that all GRAP IV measures except the measures which are modified in respect of the schools will continue to operate till Monday. In the meantime, the Commission will hold a meeting and come out with a suggestion about moving from GRAP IV to GRAP III or GRAP II. We also make it clear that it is not necessary that all measures which are provided in GRAP IV should be dispensed with. There can be a combination of measures in GRAP III and GRAP II.”

SC On Stubble Burning

The Supreme Court also took notice of news report that stubble burning was being allowed by officials in Punjab after 4 pm to avoid satellite detection and stressed that if the report is correct it is serious.

Government has instructed the administration to use truck-mount water sprinklers to mitigate the effects of pollution in the national capital.

CAQM Eases Restrictions For Differently Abled

Also, the CAQM has decided to ease restrictions under Stage-III and IV of GRAP in NCR, allowing individuals with disabilities (PwDs) to continue driving their personally adapted vehicles, even if they are BS-IV diesel or BS-III petrol cars, solely for their personal use. Notably, a ban has been put on BS-IV diesel or BS-III petrol cars in the area due to pollution concerns.

CAQM, relaxing the restrictions under Stage-III and IV regarding plying of BS IV Diesel and BS III petrol LMVs, permits Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) to use adopted vehicles for their personal use, even for BS IV Diesel and BS III petrol but only for their personal use.

— Commission for Air Quality Management (@CAQM_Official) November 28, 2024

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