After a brief respite from GRAP enforcement, the Commission For Air Quality Management (CAQM) enforced GRAP 3 stage in Delhi NCR again on Monday afternoon, said an official. According to the meteorological department, the air quality (AQI) was 367 at 2 pm.

“Considering the highly unfavorable meteorological conditions including calm winds and very low mixing height leading the AQI of Delhi into the higher end of very poor category, the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP decides to impose Stage-III of the revised GRAP schedule issued on December 13in the entire NCR, with immediate effect.” said an order issued on Monday.

Under the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), stricter measures have been introduced to tackle air pollution in Delhi-NCR. Schools and colleges in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar will shift to hybrid classes for students up to Class V during Stage III, allowing parents and students to opt for online learning where available.

Inter-state buses from NCR states–except electric, CNG, or BS-VI diesel vehicles–will be barred from entering Delhi. Resident welfare associations will now need to provide electric heaters for staff like sanitation workers and security personnel to curb the open burning of biomass or waste during winter.

Stage III measures have also been expanded. Persons with disabilities will be exempt from restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles in Delhi and nearby districts such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar.

The Delhi government must ban diesel medium goods vehicles (MGVs) with BS-IV or older standards, except those transporting essential goods, within city limits. Similarly, non-essential diesel light commercial vehicles (LCVs) of BS-IV or older standards registered outside Delhi will be restricted, a move previously limited to BS-III vehicles. (ANI)

Also Read: Delhi Airport Becomes First In India To Connect 150 Destinations, Solidifying Its Market Position