Air quality worsens in Delhi NCR; GRAP 3 restrictions back in place

The Centre’s air quality panel on Thursday, January 9, re-implemented Stage 3 restrictions under the the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi-NCR amid a sharp rise in air pollution levels.

CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP invokes Stage-III of revised GRAP in the entire NCR, with immediate effect.

For more details, visit: https://t.co/XAXVT7uYli

— Commission for Air Quality Management (@CAQM_Official) January 9, 2025

Delhi’s air pollution levels showed an increasing trend and the 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) stood at 357 at 4 pm, up from 297 on Wednesday, owing to “calm winds and foggy conditions.”

The Commission for Air Quality Management, responsible for strategising air pollution mitigation in Delhi-NCR, had revoked the GRAP 3 measures on Sunday (January 5), citing an improvement in pollution levels in the capital and surrounding areas.

However, the Sub-Committee on GRAP held a meeting today to review the air quality scenario in the region, noting an increasing trend in AQI levels in the Delhi and NCR regions. The CAQM directed authorities in the region to immediately implement curbs prescribed under Stage 3 to prevent further worsening of the situation.

Unfavourable meteorological conditions, combined with vehicle emissions, paddy-straw burning, firecrackers, and other local pollution sources, lead to hazardous air quality levels in Delhi-NCR during winters.

Doctors say that breathing Delhi’s polluted air is equivalent to smoking approximately 10 cigarettes a day.

The Graded Response Action Plan or GRAP categorises air quality into four stages: Stage I (Poor): AQI between 201 and 300, Stage II (Very Poor): AQI between 301 and 400, Stage III (Severe): AQI between 401 and 450, Stage IV (Severe Plus): AQI above 450.

The Stage 3 restrictions include a complete ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities across Delhi-NCR, and hybrid classes for young students.

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The use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers is prohibited, except for individuals with disabilities. Non-essential medium and heavy goods vehicles operating on diesel with BS-IV or older emission standards are also barred from entering Delhi.

-With PTI inputs