Delhi’s Air Quality ‘Severe’ For 2nd Day, Construction Banned As GRAP III Curbs Come Into Effect
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The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) took the decision to raise the pollution mitigation level to GRAP-3
More restrictions have been imposed in Delhi amid rising air pollution. (PTI Image)
Delhi’s air quality continued to remain in the “severe” zone for the second consecutive day, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to invoke Stage-3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the NCR.
A ban on non-essential construction, demolition work, and entry of non-BS-VI diesel interstate buses into Delhi are among other restrictions that will come into effect from 8 am on Friday.
The air quality dropped to “severe” level for the first time this season on Wednesday after a dip in temperatures resulted in a dense smog blanket over the city. The city recorded its coldest morning on Thursday with the temperature dropping to 11.2 degrees.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was at 424 today, deteriorating from Wednesday’s 418.
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for the National Capital Region (NCR) is classified under four different stages of adverse air quality in Delhi: 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 >450).
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Restrictions Under GRAP-3
- All non-essential construction and demolition work along with mining is banned, among other actions in the national capital. However, the ban on construction work does not apply to projects needed for national security, healthcare, and certain public infrastructure work.
- Petrol vehicles from older emission norms BS-III and diesel vehicles of BS-IV category are not allowed on the road in Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region (NCR).
- The key measures under GRAP Stage 3 include the frequency of road sprinklers to suppress dust and restrictions on diesel generators for emergency use only.
- Authorities have also issued advice to residents in the capital and have encouraged them to reduce outdoor activity and not contribute to car emissions.
