Delhi pollution: Stricter measures under GRAP Stage 3 in place as air quality turns ‘severe’ | What is banned?

The Central government on Tuesday, November 11, enforced Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR after the capital’s air quality plunged to the ‘severe’ category due to calm winds.

The decision to impose GRAP Stage 3 anti-pollution measures was taken after average Air Quality Index (AQI) of the national quality rose sharply from 362 on Monday to 425 on Tuesday morning.

The air quality tuned severe due to calm winds, a stable atmosphere and unfavourable weather conditions that allowed pollutants to accumulate close to the surface, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said.

Anti-pollution measures imposed

In a statement, the CAQM said that all measures under Stage III of GRAP will be implemented with immediate effect across the NCR. This stage corresponds to the ‘severe’ air quality category, with Delhi’s AQI ranging between 401 and 450.

The CAQM added that these measures are in addition to those already enforced under Stages I and II of the plan.

The CAQM said, “Keeping in view the prevailing trend of air quality, and in an effort to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region, the Sub-Committee today has taken the call to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage-III of extant GRAP – ‘Severe’ Air Quality (DELHI AQI ranging between 401-450), with immediate effect, in the entire NCR. This is in addition to the actions under Stages I & II of extant GRAP already in-force in NCR.”

What is banned and what is allowed in Delhi?

From a ban on construction and demolition activities, to suspension of industrial operations in those industries that use unapproved fuels, several measures are being taken to bring down pollution level.

Except for essential projects such as roads, railways, and airports, construction activities across the national capital are put on hold.

The guidelines also recommend that schools up to Class 5 in Delhi-NCR adopt a hybrid mode of teaching, allowing students to attend classes either online or in person, based on the availability of digital infrastructure like computers and internet access at home.

Restrictions are also be imposed on Delhi-registered diesel-operated Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs) and specific non-Delhi-registered Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs). Those carrying essential goods are exempt.

Furthermore, steps will be taken for dust suppression through water sprinkling and agencies are mandated to intensify mechanical road cleaning.