Delhi Pollution: GRAP 3 Curbs Back In Place As Capital Sees Rise In Air Pollution Due To 'Foggy Conditions'
The air pollution levels in the national capital showed an increasing trend after the 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) was recorded 357 at 4 PM, which was an up from the 297 AQI on Wednesday.
The Commission of Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Thursday reimposed the Stage 3 curbs under the Graded Response Action Plan in Delhi-NCR to prevent further worsening of the situation amid the rising air pollution levels in the city.
The air pollution levels in the national capital showed an increasing trend after the 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) was recorded 357 at 4 PM, which was an up from the 297 AQI on Wednesday.
CAQM said that the Stage-3 measures were being invoked in accordance with the Supreme Court's direction and that the curbs were being reintroduced as "AQI of Delhi which was recorded as 297 on January 8, exhibited a sharp increasing trend and has been recorded 357 at 4 pm on January 9 due to calm winds and foggy conditions".
"Citizens are requested to strictly adhere to the citizen charter under GRAP Stage-III," the notice from CAQM, which is responsible for strategising air pollution mitigation in Delhi-NCR, read.
On Sunday, the GRAP Stage 3, was revoked after the air pollution levels decreased in Delhi-NCR and showed a positive trend of continuous improvement.
Restrictions under GRAP-3 include ban on use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars (4-wheelers) in Delhi-NCR, non-essential diesel-operated medium goods vehicles with BS-IV or older standards, and shifting of schools up to Class 5 to hybrid mode of learning.
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The Supreme Court in December had directed the CAQM to impose Stage 3 measures if the AQI crossed the 350 mark and Stage 4 if the AQI breached the 400 mark.
The air quality is classified by the Central Pollution Control Board into four stages including, 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).
Delhi on Thursday woke up to shallow fog as cold wave conditions persisted in the city. The minimum temperature was recorded at five degrees Celsius, while the maximum is likely to settle at 21 degrees Celsius, the India Meteorological Department said.
Delhi's Safdarjung recorded a minimum temperature of 4.8 degree Celsius on January 9. Ayanagar recorded 4.9 degree Celsius, followed by Lodhi Road and Palam, which recorded a minimum temperature of 5.6 and 6.5 degree Celsius, respectively.
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