Pollution curbs under GRAP-3 lifted in Delhi-NCR: Restrictions on vehicles eased

The Centre’s panel on air quality in Delhi-NCR announced the rollback of Stage 3 restrictions under.

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Sunday following a decline in pollution levels in the capital city and adjoining areas, as per an official statement. Delhi’s air quality has shown improvement, with the 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) standing at 339 at 4 pm and 335 at 5 pm on Sunday, and the trends indicate the AQI levels will go down further.

The Commission for Air Quality Management, responsible for air pollution mitigation in Delhi-NCR, stated that restrictions under Stage 1 and Stage 2 will remain in place.

The CAQM also noted that forecasts from the India Meteorological Department and IIT Madras predict Delhi’s AQI will remain in the ‘poor’ category (ranging from 200 to 300) in the coming days.

With the relaxation of Stage 3 curbs, BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers can now operate in Delhi and NCR areas.

Under the GRAP-3 regulations, strict measures were implemented to curb air pollution. These included a ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities, the operation of industries and brick kilns using non-clean fuels, and non-essential diesel generator sets.

Diesel trucks transporting non-essential goods were prohibited from entering Delhi, and the open burning of garbage and biomass was strictly forbidden. Additionally, schools were instructed to shift classes up to Grade 5 to a hybrid mode of learning under Stage 3 provisions.

“Actions under Stage-I & II of the revised GRAP shall, however, remain invoked and be implemented, monitored and reviewed by all the agencies concerned in the entire NCR to ensure that the AQI levels do not slip further. All implementing agencies shall keep strict vigil and especially intensify measures under Stage-I & II of the revised GRAP,” the commission said.