Delhi Pollution: Curbs Under GRAP Stage II Lifted After Air Quality Shows Marginal Improvement

Delhi likely to witness mainly clear skies on Thursday, with the maximum and minimum temperatures likely to settle around 22 degrees Celsius and 9 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 164 on Wednesday

Source : PTI

New Delhi: Restrictions imposed under Graded Response Action Plan’s (GRAP) Stage II in Delhi and NCR has been lifted after the city recorded marginal improvement in air quality on Wednesday, news agency ANI reported.

According to Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), GRAP Stage II curbs will be lifted, however, the Stage I restrictions will still be in place.

“Actions under Stage 1 of the GRAP shall, however, remain invoked and be implemented, monitored and reviewed by all agencies concerned in the entire NCR to ensure that the AQI level do not slip further to the Very Poor Category. All implementing agencies shall keep strict vigil and especially intensity following measures as envisaged under stage 1,”  the CAQM  said in its order.

As the AQI improved in Delhi-NCR, the Commission for Air Quality Management revokes actions under Stage-ll of the GRAP, with immediate effect

Actions under Stages-l of the GRAP shall however remain invoked and be implemented. pic.twitter.com/hDkTrIFQUU

— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2023

“Ensure proper implementation of guidelines on dust mitigation measures and social environmental management of Construction and demolition(C&D) wastes,” the CAQM order further said.

It is to be noted that Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 164 and stood at ‘moderate’ category on Wednesday. The minimum temperature settled at 8.6 degrees Celsius, normal for this time of the year and the humidity level oscillated between 53 per cent and 100 per cent.

As per the weather office, Delhi is likely to witness mainly clear skies on Thursday, with the maximum and minimum temperatures likely to settle around 22 degrees Celsius and 9 degrees Celsius, respectively.

According to the Ministry of Earth Sciences' air quality monitor SAFAR, the Delhi air quality is likely to remain 'moderate' or the 'lower end of poor' over the next two days.

Notably, GRAP is classified under four stages of adverse air quality in Delhi. Stage I in a case of ‘poor’ air quality (AQI 201-300); stage II for ‘very poor’ air quality (AQI 301-400); stage III for ‘severe’ air quality (AQI 401-450); and stage IV for ‘severe plus’ (AQI >450).