GRAP-III Restrictions Reimposed in Delhi-NCR as Air Quality Slips to Severe Category

New Delhi: The Commission for Air Quality Management has reimposed Stage 3 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR after pollution levels surged sharply with immediate effect, pushing air quality into the ‘very poor’ category.

This is in addition to the actions under Stages I & II of the extant GRAP already in force in NCR.

Under GRAP 3 restrictions, a complete ban has been imposed on all non-essential construction and demolition activities. This includes earthwork, piling, trenching, road construction, and major repair works across the region.

Further, BS-4 diesel-operated light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi will be barred from entering the national capital. The restriction does not apply to vehicles transporting essential commodities or providing essential services.

Air Quality Turns ‘Very Poor’

Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index stood at 346 at 7 am on Friday, placing it firmly in the ‘very poor’ category, according to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board.

Several areas across the city reported AQI levels well above 300. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 354, Ashok Vihar 367, ITO 362, and RK Puram 374. Patparganj registered 372, Wazirpur 374, Chandni Chowk 370, while Dwarka Sector 8 recorded 369, CPCB data showed.

Cold Wave Grips Delhi

Adding to the discomfort, the national capital is also witnessing cold wave conditions. The minimum temperature dropped to around 5.4 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department.

Severely reduced visibility was reported at several airports across northern and eastern India due to dense to very dense fog. Official data recorded at 5.30 am showed significant disruptions caused by foggy conditions, further compounding weather-related challenges in the region.