GRAP Stage-III Curbs Revoked As Air Quality Improved In Delhi-NCR

GRAP enforces four stages of air quality based on the AQI: 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).

People amid rain, at the Kartavya Path in New Delhi, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025.

Source : PTI

The panel of the Centre on Air Quality for Delhi-NCR lifted Stage-III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Sunday, after a drop in pollution levels due to favourable weather conditions, according to an official statement.

A mild rainfall in and around Delhi, caused by a Western Disturbance—a weather system from the Mediterranean that brings winter rain and snow to northwest India—helped improve the city's air quality.

As of 4 PM on Sunday, the air quality index (AQI) in Delhi was 278, marking 72 points lower than the 350-mark needed to trigger Stage-III restrictions, which include banning non-essential construction work, according to a report by news agency PTI.

GRAP Stage 3 Invoked On Thursday

A new Western Disturbance is expected to affect northwest India around January 14–15. The GRAP Stage 3, re-invoked on Thursday banning non-essential construction activities. Parents and students can opt to choose an online mode of education wherever options are available.

In addition, Stage 3 limits the use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars with 4-wheelers in Delhi and nearby NCR districts. And, also specially abled persons are exempted. It also bans the use of non-essential diesel-operated medium goods vehicles with BS-IV or older standards in Delhi.

During the winter months, GRAP enforces four stages of air quality based on the AQI: 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).

The hazardous air quality in Delhi-NCR during winter is often a result of unfavorable meteorological conditions combined with pollution from vehicles, paddy-straw burning, firecrackers, and other local sources.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI in the national capital had remained in the "very poor" category for the past week. On Monday, the AQI was recorded at 335 in the "very poor" category.

Meanwhile, the weather department’s 7-day forecast indicates that from Wednesday, the minimum temperature will start dipping, and by Friday, it is expected to drop to 5 degrees Celsius.