Reinstatement of GRAP-3 in Delhi Amid Deteriorating Air Quality
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Synopsis
As air quality in Delhi-NCR declines, the CAQM reinstates Stage 3 of the GRAP, implementing measures to curb pollution. The AQI has reached severe levels, prompting restrictions on construction and vehicle operations. Residents are urged to stay vigilant amid changing weather conditions.
Key Takeaways
- Stage 3 of GRAP reinstated due to poor air quality.
- AQI in Delhi reached 365, classified as 'Severe.'
- Restrictions include halting construction and banning certain vehicles.
- Schools advised to close for students up to Class 5.
- Light rain expected in February may improve air quality.
New Delhi, Jan 30 (NationPress) As the air quality in Delhi-NCR deteriorated and the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 'Severe' levels on Wednesday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reinstated Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) starting Thursday.
The AQI for Delhi, which stood at 276 on Tuesday, surged drastically to 365 on Thursday.
The AQI in the national capital soared to 365 due to smog and low wind speeds.
The air quality in the National Capital Region was similarly poor, with Noida in Uttar Pradesh recording an AQI of 317 (in the 'Very Poor' category), Ghaziabad at 271 (in the 'Poor' category), Faridabad in Haryana at 279 (also 'Poor'), and Gurugram at 310 ('Very Poor').
With the fluctuating air quality and mild weather, residents of Delhi and the NCR must remain vigilant about pollution and the cooler mornings and evenings.
The weather is shifting from winter to milder conditions, with daytime highs ranging from 20 to 24 degrees Celsius, while nighttime temperatures remain cooler at 12 to 14 degrees Celsius.
The upcoming days are expected to see a gradual end to the cold spell, yet air quality remains a pressing concern for Delhi-NCR.
While GRAP-3 is in effect in the national capital, construction and demolition activities will be suspended, all non-essential mining operations will be halted, and interstate buses that are non-electric, non-CNG, and non-BS-VI diesel will be restricted. Schools are advised to close for students up to Class 5 in Delhi-NCR.
Additionally, a ban on the operation of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers will take effect today, along with a prohibition on commercial vehicles entering Delhi.
An official announcement stated that measures under Stages I, II, and III will be enforced, evaluated, and monitored to prevent further air quality degradation.
The IMD predicts that Delhi-NCR may experience light rain in early February, which could not only enhance air quality in the region but also lead to a slight temperature drop, alleviating concerns about an early summer.
