NEW DELHI: The central panel overseeing Delhi-NCR’s air quality revoked Stage-III restrictions under GRAP on Sunday, as pollution levels decreased due to suitable weather conditions, as per an official directive. A western disturbance brought light rain to Delhi and surrounding areas, enhancing the region’s air quality.
“The AQI of Delhi has been recorded as 278 at 4:00 PM today which is 72 points below the 350 mark to implement the Stage-III as per the extant directives of the Hon’ble Supreme Court. Further, the forecast by IMD predicts another WD (Western Disturbance) in the region around 14th-15th January, 2025. “The Sub-Committee, accordingly, decided to revoke its orders dated 09.01.2025, for invoking actions under Stage-III (‘Severe’ Air Quality) of the Schedule of GRAP (Revised December, 2024), with immediate effect,” said the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the Sub-Committee on GRAP, in its order.
The order further stated that GRAP 1 and GRAP 2 will still remain in effect. “Actions under Stage-I & II of the revised GRAP shall, however, remain invoked and be implemented, monitored, and reviewed by all the agencies concerned in the entire NCR to ensure that the AQI levels do not slip further. All implementing agencies shall keep strict vigil and especially intensify measures under Stage-I & II of the revised GRAP,” stated the order.
The panel also urged that, “While GRAP Stage-III is being revoked, keeping in view the winter season when weather conditions may not always be favorable, and in order to ensure that the AQI levels do not slip further, citizens are requested to strictly adhere to the citizen charter under GRAP-II.”
“The Sub-Committee shall be keeping a close watch on the air quality scenario and reviewing the situation from time to time for further appropriate decisions depending upon the Air Quality in Delhi and forecasts made by IMD/IITM,” it further read.
Stage-III measures, reinstated on Thursday, prohibit non-essential construction work. Schools up to grade five are allowed to offer hybrid learning (online and in-person). BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers, excluding those used by people with disabilities, are also restricted while older diesel-powered medium goods vehicles are banned in Delhi under Stage III.
The GRAP outlines four stages of air quality: Stage I (Poor), Stage II (Very Poor), Stage III (Severe), and Stage IV (Severe Plus). Another weather system is expected to impact northwest India around January 14-15. Winter air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region is caused by a combination of weather patterns, vehicle exhaust, agricultural burning, fireworks, and other local sources.
