Air quality in Delhi and the NCR on Tuesday improved from the 'very poor' category to the 'poor' category with an Air Quality Index recorded at 221. However, Noida remained in the 'Very Poor' category with an AQI at 302, while Gurugram's AQI was recorded at 162 which falls in the 'moderate category.
Stage III Restrictions under GRAP in NCR Lifted
With marginal improvement in the overall air quality in the past few days, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Monday asked authorities to revoke the curbs enforced in Delhi-NCR under stage three of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect, according to the news agency PTI.
It means construction and demolition activities can resume in the region. However, user agencies need to strictly follow dust control norms.
The CAQM noted that Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) on Monday (294) was about 100 points below the threshold for invoking GRAP stage 3 actions.
The sub-committee for invoking actions under Graded Response Action Plan of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) reviewed the situation on the actions under Stage III of GRAP which was in place in the entire National Capital Region from October 29.
The Commission observed that due to forecasts not hinting at any further degradation in the overall air quality of Delhi-NCR in the next few days with AQI likely to stay in the 'Poor' category, it is advisable to relax the restrictions and roll back Stage III of the GRAP in the entire NCR.
Stages I to Stage II of the GRAP shall will remain invoked and be "implemented, monitored and reviewed by all agencies concerned in the entire NCR to ensure that the AQI levels do not slip further to the 'severe' category".
It said all implementing agencies shall keep strict vigil and especially intensify measures under Stage I and II of GRAP which include mechanical/vacuum-based sweeping of roads to be carried out on a daily basis and ensuring water sprinkling along with the use of dust suppressants regularly on roads to arrest road dust, especially at hotspots, heavy traffic corridors and vulnerable areas.
It also stipulates regular inspection and strict enforcement of dust control measures at Construction & Demolition (C&D) sites, to not allow coal/firewood including in tandoors in hotels, restaurants and open eateries and enhancing parking fees to discourage private transport.
On Monday, the Transport Department of the Delhi Government allowed people to drive their old cars on the roads of Delhi. After the improvement in Delhi's air quality and reduction in pollution, the Delhi government has lifted the ban on BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel vehicles on the roads. The government has issued an official order in this regard.
(With inputs from agencies)