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Published 19:09 IST, January 12th 2025

GRAP Stage 3 Curbs Revoked In Delhi-NCR As Air Quality Improves Amid Rainfall

The GRAP 3 was revoked in Delhi-NCR by the Commission of Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Sunday as air quality improved amidst rainfall.

Reported by: Digital Desk
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GRAP Stage 3 Curbs Revoked In Delhi-NCR As Air Quality Improves Amid Rainfall
GRAP Stage 3 Curbs Revoked In Delhi-NCR As Air Quality Improves Amid Rainfall | Image: ANI

Delhi: The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) 3 was revoked in Delhi-NCR by the Commission of Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Sunday as air quality improved amidst rainfall. The Centre's panel on Delhi-NCR's air quality has revoked stage 3 curbs under the GRAP, effective immediately. According to the officials, the decision to revoke the GRAP 3 from Delhi-NCR comes after an improvement in the air quality was recorded amidst continuous rainfall in the last two days.

The air quality index (AQI) of Delhi has been recorded at 278, which is 72 points below the 350 mark required to implement stage 3 curbs. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change attributed this improvement to favourable meteorological conditions.

Although stage 3 curbs have been revoked, restrictions under stages 1 and 2 of the GRAP will remain in place. These restrictions include a ban on the use of coal and firewood, including tandoors at hotels, restaurants, and open eateries.

Agencies will continue to monitor the air quality and implement measures to prevent a decline. Construction and demolition project sites and industrial units that were closed due to non-compliance will not be allowed to resume operations without permission from the Commission.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted another western disturbance in the region around January 14-15, which is expected to keep the air quality in check.

Citizens are advised to continue following the guidelines under stages 1 and 2 of the GRAP to ensure that the air quality does not deteriorate.

GRAP Stage 3, which was brought back on Thursday, entails a ban on non-essential construction work. Classes up to grade V are required to shift to hybrid mode under Stage 3. Parents and students have the option to choose online education wherever available.

Under Stage 3, the use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars (4-wheelers) is restricted in Delhi and nearby NCR districts. Persons with disabilities are exempt.

Stage 3 also bans non-essential diesel-operated medium goods vehicles with BS-IV or older standards in Delhi.

During winters, the Delhi-NCR region enforces restrictions under GRAP, which categorises air quality into four stages - Stage I (Poor, AQI 201-300), Stage II (Very Poor, AQI 301-400), Stage III (Severe, AQI 401-450), and Stage IV (Severe Plus, AQI above 450).

Unfavourable meteorological conditions, combined with vehicle emissions, paddy-straw burning, firecrackers, and other local pollution sources, lead to hazardous air quality levels in Delhi-NCR during winters.
 

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Updated 05:17 IST, January 13th 2025