The Centre’s air quality panel has announced the rollback of Stage 3 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi-NCR following an improvement in pollution levels. The decision, made on Sunday, comes after a decline in air pollution in the capital and surrounding areas.
As of Sunday afternoon, Delhi’s air quality showed signs of improvement, with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 339 at 4 p.m. and 335 at 5 p.m. These figures indicate that the air quality is expected to improve further in the coming days.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), which is responsible for monitoring and mitigating air pollution in the region, confirmed that while Stage 3 restrictions have been lifted, the more moderate restrictions under Stage 1 and Stage 2 will remain in place. The CAQM noted that forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and IIT Madras suggest that the AQI in Delhi will remain in the ‘poor’ category (200-300) over the next few days.
With Stage 3 curbs relaxed, BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers are now permitted to operate in Delhi and the NCR. Previously, under GRAP-3, stricter measures were enforced to combat pollution, including a ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities, the operation of industries and brick kilns using non-clean fuels, and the use of non-essential diesel generator sets.
Other measures under Stage 3 included the prohibition of diesel trucks carrying non-essential goods from entering Delhi and a ban on open burning of garbage and biomass. Additionally, schools were directed to switch to hybrid learning modes for classes up to Grade 5.
While Stage 3 restrictions have been lifted, the CAQM emphasized that the measures under Stage 1 and Stage 2 will continue to be enforced. Authorities will closely monitor the situation and take necessary actions to prevent further deterioration of air quality.”
Actions under Stage 1 & 2 of the revised GRAP shall remain invoked and strictly monitored by all concerned agencies across NCR to ensure the AQI does not worsen,” the CAQM added.
The implementation and review of these measures will continue to ensure the health and safety of residents in Delhi-NCR.
