GRAP-3 Revoked In Delhi As Air Quality Improves, AQI To Remain In Lower End Of 'Very Poor' Category

IMD has forecast that the air quality will remain in the lower end of 'very poor' category in the coming days owing to the favourable meteorological conditions and strong wind speeds.

Commission for Air Quality Management Sub-Committee revoked actions under Stage III ('Severe' Air Quality) of GRAP in Delhi-NCR.

Source : PTI

The Centre’s air quality panel on Friday revoked the curbs under stage 3 of the Graded Response Aaction Plan in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) amid a decrease in pollution levels. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department has forecast that the air quality in the city will remain in the lower end of 'very poor' category in the coming days.

The Commission for Air Quality Management) Sub-Committee revoked the GRAP stage 3 in the Delhi-NCR after the AQI witnessed continuous improvement and was recorded at 289 (very poor) on January 17. This was nearly 61 AQI points below the benchmark directed for the Supreme Court for invoking stage 3 curbs. GRAP stage-3 had been in effect in Delhi since it was last invoked on January 15.

"As per the Air Quality and Weather forecast provided by IMD/IITM, there is a likelihood of AQI to remain in lower end of the very poor category in the coming days owing to the favourable meteorological conditions and strong wind speeds," the CAQM's order said. 

The restrictions under stage 3 have been eased a day after the CAQM Sub-Committee revoked the curbs under stage 4 of GRAP amid dip in pollution levels. These curbs were imposed on Wednesday after foggy conditions accompanied by calm winds and low temperatures caused the pollutants to accumulate, clocking the AQI at 396 on Tuesday evening.

When the air quality levels reached 302 on January 16, the CAQM revoked stage 4 curbs. However, the stage 3 curbs remained in place as a "matter of precaution" due to the abrupt fluctuations in the meteorological conditions.

The relaxation means that BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars can enter Delhi-NCR roads. Additionally, the ban on non-essential diesel-operated medium goods vehicles with BS-IV or older standards in Delhi has also been lifted. 

GRAP-3 also includes a ban on non-essential construction work and shifting of classes up to grade 5 to hybrid mode.

Restrictions under GRAP categorises air quality into four stages which includes, Stage 1 (Poor, AQI 201-300), Stage 2 (Very Poor, AQI 301-400), Stage 3 (Severe, AQI 401-450), and Stage 4 (Severe Plus, AQI above 450).