GRAP 3 Restrictions In Delhi NCR As Air Quality Deteriorates Into 'Severe' Category
The GRAP 3 restrictions were reimposed in the Delhi-NCR region after the air quality in the city deteriorated to 'severe' levels on Wednesday.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Wednesday announced anti-pollution curbs under Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi and its neighbouring areas amid the deteriorating air quality in the capital.
Delhi's AQI, which was recorded at 276 on January 28, showed a sharp increase, reaching 365 by 4:00 PM on Wednesday, owing to variable direction and calm winds, smoggy situation, low mixing heights, and ventilation coefficients for dispersion of pollutants, the CAQM order said.
The forecast from the India Meterological Department has suggested similar situation will persist in the coming days.
The GRAP 3 restrictions were reimposed in an effort to prevent further deterioration of the air quality in the city with immediate effect in addition to the Stage 1 and 2 curbs, which already in force.
“The Sub-committee, shall be keeping a close watch on the air quality scenario and review the situation from time to time for further appropriate decision depending upon the Air quaiity in Delhi and forecast made by IMD/IITM,” the CAQM statement noted.
With the GRAP-3 in effect, all non-essential mining activities and construction and demolition will be halted. Non-electric, non-BS-VI diesel, and non-CNG interstate buses will also be restricted in the city. Additionally, there will also be a ban on the plying of BS-II petrol and BS-VI diesel four-wheelers starting today and the commercial vehicles' entry in the national capital will also be banned. Schools till Class 5 will conduct classes for children in a ‘hybrid’ mode.
Meanwhile, the IMD has forecast that a western disturbance will become active over the upper Himalayas on January 29, followed closely by a second western disturbance on February 1.
This is likely to result in rain in Delhi in the final days of January. Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh are also likely to receive rain between January 30 and February 1.
An AQI between 0 and 50 is classified as 'good', 51 and 100 as 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 as 'moderate', 201 and 300 as 'poor', 301 and 400 as 'very poor', and 401 and 500 as 'severe'.
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