Restrictions Eased as Delhi’s Air Quality Improves, GRAP Stage-3 Measures Lifted

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) sub-committee, on Thursday, swiftly lifted the Stage-3 measures of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the entire Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). This decision came as a response to the marked improvement in pollution levels. The measures under GRAP Stage-3 included a comprehensive halt on construction and demolition activities, with exceptions only for essential government projects. Mining and stone crushing activities were also prohibited, along with a ban on the usage of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles in Delhi and its surrounding areas.

The Stage-3 restrictions were implemented in the wake of a sudden deterioration in air quality on Sunday, marking the third such instance during the winter season. The CAQM, in a statement, highlighted that the Air Quality Index (AQI) for Delhi had steadily improved, reaching 316 at 2:00 pm. This AQI level was significantly below the threshold for invoking GRAP Stage-III actions, which are triggered when the AQI ranges between 401 and 450. The statement emphasized ongoing preventive, mitigative, and restrictive actions under all stages of GRAP, indicating the potential for sustained improvement in AQI.

The announcement by CAQM underscored the positive trend in AQI, attributing it to the effective implementation of preventive measures. The statement also referenced the forecasts by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), indicating no significant deterioration in air quality. There was optimism regarding the continued improvement in AQI, with expectations that it would remain in the lower end or the very poor category in the coming days.

The restrictions imposed under GRAP Stage-3 encompassed various sectors, impacting non-essential construction and demolition work, the movement of specific vehicles, boring and drilling activities, operations of stone crushers, mining activities, and the personal use of coal and wood for heating purposes. Notably, these measures were enforced for the third time in the winter season, with previous instances occurring on November 3 and December 22.

The initial imposition of Stage-3 measures on November 3 followed a sharp increase in AQI, crossing the 400-mark for the first time that winter (402). The restrictions remained in place for 27 days until November 29, when the AQI fell below the 300-mark after rainfall. The second instance occurred on December 22, when the air quality turned “severe” after nearly a month. These measures were subsequently lifted on January 1.

Understanding the significant impact of the restrictions, CAQM outlined the specific activities banned and exempted under GRAP Stage-3 in Delhi-NCR. Prohibited activities included non-essential construction and demolition work, the use of certain vehicles, boring and drilling, movement on unpaved roads, stone crusher operations, mining activities, and personal use of coal and wood for heating. However, exemptions were made for construction projects related to national security or defense, projects of national importance, and healthcare. Additionally, construction work related to railways, metro rail, airports, inter-state bus terminals, power transmission, pipelines, sanitation, water supply, and linear public projects such as highways, roads, flyovers, and overbridges were permitted.

In conclusion, the decision to revoke GRAP Stage-3 restrictions in Delhi-NCR reflects a positive trend in air quality, supported by preventive measures and favorable weather conditions. The CAQM’s careful consideration of the AQI levels and adherence to the GRAP guidelines contribute to the ongoing efforts to address and manage air pollution in the region.