Delhi AQI Update: CAQM Revokes GRAP-3 Curbs As Air Quality Shows Significant Improvement
CAQM revoked GRAP-3 curbs in Delhi-NCR as air quality improved to 236. Construction activities to resume; bans on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars lifted.
by Zee Media Bureau · Zee NewsThe Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday struck down Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) restrictions in the Delhi-NCR area. The reason for this revocation is the noticeable improvement in the air quality in the national capital, which moved from a 'very poor' level on Thursday to a much better reading in the afternoon of Friday.
AQI Trends: 'Severe' To 'Improving'
As per reports, the AQI in the national capital of 380 on Thursday increased to 236 (which falls under the ‘Poor’ category) by 4:00 PM on Friday. Though the early afternoon recording revealed an average AQI of 386 due to the influence of colder air conditions causing stagnation, the subsequent trend led the CAQM Sub-Committee to relax the severest measures of the emergencies.
Although there was a marked improvement, there were some hotspots that were still under a thick layer of smog:
- ANAND VIHAR :423
- NSIT Dwarka: 411
- JLN Stadium: 362
- IGI Airport: 259
- "It's Time to Slow Down"
The revocation of Stage III lifts a number of significant bans with immediate effect:
Construction & Demolition: All nonessential construction, stone crushing, as well as the mining sector, is now allowed to resume (if not already closed for a violation).
Four-Wheeler Restrictive Orders: The ban on BS-III four-wheelers pertaining to BS-III petrol four-wheelers and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers has been relaxed in Delhi, Gurugram, Far
Schools and Offices: The requirement for hybrid classes for primary schools up to Class 5 is now withdrawn, and the cap on attendance at offices has been removed at 50%.
Stages One And Two Are In Force
The bad news is that Stage III has been withdrawn, but according to CAQM, conditions for Stage I (Poor) and Stage II (Very Poor) categories will continue so as to avoid an escalation in pollution.
The mechanical sweeping and watering of the roads will also continue.
The diesel generators (DG sets) are banned except for emergency purposes.
There will be higher parking rates and improved public transport services to discourage the use of private vehicles.
Weather Warning: Dense Fog And Cold Wave
Meanwhile, air quality relief has been felt as weather conditions continue to prove challenging. Fog has reduced visibility to zero in some areas of the capital city on Friday morning, resulting in flight delays and travel advisories by airlines.
An orange alert has been sounded by the India Meteorological Department, with the forecast as follows:
Visibility: Between 500 m and 1,300 m during morning hours.
Temperature: Minima should hover between 8 and 10 degrees Celsius.
Cold Wave: Likely to continue in isolated areas until January 5.