Stage-3 GRAP Restrictions Lifted In Delhi-NCR. See What Is Allowed, What Is Not

The Stage-III restrictions, in effect since November 2, 2023, have been lifted with immediate effect. Know what is allowed and what is not in Delhi-NCR.

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) for Delhi, recorded daily at 4 pm, showed a gradual improvement, dropping from 395 on Monday to 312 on Tuesday. ( Image Source :PTI )

In response to an improvement in the air quality of the National Capital Region (NCR), the Centre, on Tuesday, announced the revocation of restrictions under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The decision comes after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and adjoining areas reported positive trends following light rainfall and increased wind speed. The CAQM, a statutory body tasked with devising pollution-combating strategies, took the step based on favourable meteorological forecasts.

The Stage-3 restrictions, in effect since November 2, 2023, have been lifted with immediate effect.

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) for the national capital, recorded daily at 4 pm, demonstrated a gradual improvement, dropping from 395 on Monday to 312 on Tuesday.

"The air quality forecasts by the India Meteorological Department/Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology do not indicate the average air quality of Delhi to move to the 'severe' category in the coming days for which forecast is available," highlighted CAQM, as reported by news agency PTI.

While Stage-3 restrictions are rescinded, the measures under Stage 1 and 2 will persist and be subject to continuous monitoring. This approach aims to prevent any deterioration in air quality in the NCR and adjoining areas.

What's Allowed Now As GRAP III Restrictions Lifted 

• Essential services, emergency vehicles, and public transport continue without restrictions.
• Construction activities are allowed, but stringent dust control measures must be in place.
• Industries must adhere to enhanced pollution control measures.
• Strict enforcement of dust control measures at construction sites.
• Industries to use cleaner fuels and improve pollution control mechanisms.
• Stringent action against visibly polluting vehicles.
• Promotion of public transport and cycling with emphasis on the use of mass transport such as CNG/electric buses and metro services.

Stage 1 And 2 GRAP Restrictions Include

• Regulated operations of DG sets across NCR.
• Enhanced parking fees to discourage private transport.
• Remedial measures for sectors contributing to adverse air quality.
• Water sprinkling, along with the use of dust suppressants, at least every alternate day during non-peak hours on roads, especially at hotspots and heavy traffic corridors.

Previously, the pollution control panel had enforced Stage-3 restrictions on November 2, calling for a halt in non-essential construction work, stone crushing, and mining activities in the NCR region. Additionally, restrictions were imposed on the operation of BS 3 petrol and BS IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar. Now, these Stage 3-specific restrictions are no longer in effect.

The Commission urged all concerned agencies and residents to strictly implement the provisions of GRAP under Stage-1 and Stage-2 to avoid the re-imposition of Stage-3 restrictions. The Sub-Committee will continue monitoring the air quality scenario and may take appropriate decisions based on recorded data and forecasts.