Stage III Restrictions in Delhi-NCR Lifted Following Air Quality Improvement
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New Delhi, Jan 5 (NationPress) The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has officially lifted the Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for the Delhi-NCR area as of Sunday.
This decision comes after a noticeable improvement in the Air Quality Index (AQI) within the region. The CAQM noted that the AQI exhibited positive trends, recording 339 at 4 p.m. and 335 at 5 p.m.
Additionally, forecasts from the India Meteorological Department indicated that AQI levels are likely to keep improving, thanks to favorable weather and stronger winds.
Despite this progress, the CAQM cautioned that the AQI may still fall into the 'poor' category in the upcoming days, according to predictions from meteorological experts.
Consequently, some restrictions will remain enforced, especially those under Stage I and II of GRAP, to prevent any further deterioration of air quality.
The sub-committee emphasized that construction and demolition sites, previously closed for violations, must not resume activities without clear authorization from the CAQM.
The Supreme Court had previously mandated that Stage III measures be enacted if the AQI surpasses 350, with Stage IV measures applicable if it exceeds 400.
The CAQM sub-committee will persist in monitoring air quality and will make adjustments as necessary.
Under the CAQM's directive, the following restrictions have been lifted, with the exception of the ban on non-essential construction activities:
Classes up to grade 5, which had been transitioned to hybrid mode, can revert to regular classes.
The prohibition on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars (four-wheelers) in Delhi-NCR has been rescinded, except for vehicles used by individuals with disabilities.
Furthermore, the ban on non-essential diesel-operated medium goods vehicles meeting BS-IV or older standards has also been lifted in Delhi.
