Delhi air pollution: Vehicles being checked for GRAP compliance on the Delhi-Gurugram Expressway-

Pollution curbs under GRAP-3 revoked in Delhi-NCR as air quality improves

Delhi Air Quality: The anti-pollution restrictions under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) were lifted in the Delhi-NCR region on Friday after air quality improved, with the 24-hour average AQI at 324 by 7 pm.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Air quality improves after widespread rain in Delhi
  • More showers expected, air quality still 'very poor'
  • Stage 1 and 2 restrictions remain in place

The anti-pollution restrictions under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) were revoked on Friday in the Delhi-NCR region after the city saw an improvement in air quality levels, following widespread rain.

Delhi's air pollution levels showed a declining trend, and the 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) stood at 324 at 7 pm.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) recommended lifting the curbs after the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology predicted further improvement owing to favourable meteorological conditions. The Stage 3 restrictions were imposed on December 16.

The city and neighbouring areas are expected to receive more showers on Saturday and Sunday. The air quality will remain at the lower end of the 'very poor' or 'poor' categories in the upcoming days, according to officials.

Under GRAP-3, a ban was enforced on non-essential construction and demolition activities, the functioning of industries and brick kilns using non-clean fuels and non-essential diesel generator sets. Additionally, diesel trucks carrying non-essential goods in Delhi were banned, and open burning of garbage and biomass was prohibited to minimise air pollution. Classes up to Class 5 were required to shift to hybrid mode under Stage 3.

"Taking into consideration the improving air quality and the probable repercussions of sustaining Stage-III restrictions, which significantly disrupt numerous stakeholders, the CAQM has opted to revoke Stage-III measures with immediate effect across NCR. Meanwhile, protocols associated with Stages II and I will continue to be enforced, monitored, and optimised. This is crucial for preventing further deterioration in air quality," the Commission said.

The curbs prescribed under Stages 1 and 2 will remain in force in the region, officials added.