GRAP-3 curbs back in Delhi-NCR amid rise in air pollution levels

New Delhi [India], January 3 : The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday invoked stage 3 curbs under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the Delhi-NCR region amid another surge in air pollution levels.
The Centre's panel on Delhi-National Capital Region's (NCR) air quality directed the authorities in the region to immediately implement curbs prescribed under stage 3 to prevent further worsening of the situation, an official order stated.
GRAP Stage 3, which was lifted last Friday, entails a ban on nonessential construction work.
Classes up to grade V are required to shift to hybrid mode under Stage 3. Parents and students have the option to choose online education wherever available.
Under Stage 3, the use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars (4-wheelers) is restricted in Delhi and nearby NCR districts. Stage 3 also bans nonessential diesel-operated medium goods vehicles with BS-IV or older standards in Delhi.
"In an effort to prevent further deterioration of the air quality and in pursuance of the Hon'ble Supreme Court's directives, the Sub Committee on GRAP hereby decides to invoke ALL actions under Stage-III ('Severe' Air Quality of Delhi) of the extant Schedule of GRAP, with immediate effect in right earnest by all the agencies concerned in Delhi-NCR, in addition to the Stage-1 actions already in force," the CAQM notice read.
"Actions under Stages I, II, & III of the revised GRAP shall be implemented, monitored and reviewed by all the agencies concerned in the entire NCR to ensure that the AQI levels do not slip further. All implementing agencies shall keep strict vigil and intensify measures of the revised GRAP schedule. Citizens are requested to strictly adhere to the citizen charter under GRAP Stage-III," it added.
Meanwhile, Delhi's AQI was recorded at 375 at 7 pm today, as per the CAQM, which falls in the 'very poor' category.