Delhi air pollution: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has lifted GRAP 3 curbs in the Delhi-NCR region after a dip in pollution levels. However, restrictions under GRAP Stage 1 and Stage 2 will be intensified.
On Thursday, January 16, the CAQM had rolled back GRAP 4 restrictions, stating that GRAP 3 measures would be in place, after Delhi's air quality improved marginally. Following a further improvement in air quality levels, the CAQM rolled back GRAP 3 curbs as well.
The relaxation means that BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars, which were banned under GRAP 3 and GRAP 4, can now enter Delhi-NCR roads.
GRAP Stage 1 curbs mandate the following in Delhi:
2. Dust control measures at construction sites.
3. Effective waste management practices.
4. Strict action against polluting vehicles, improved traffic management, and better emission controls in industries, power plants and brick kilns.
5. Ban on open waste burning, restricted use of diesel generators, and prohibition of coal or firewood usage at eateries.
6. Prompt action on complaints through platforms such as 311 App, Green Delhi App, SAMEER App, and other social media channels to address polluting activities.
7. Encouraging offices to implement unified commutes for employees to reduce road traffic.
In addition to the measures mentioned under GRAP Stage 1, Stage 2 curbs entail the following:
1. Uninterrupted power supply to discourage use of alternate power generating sets.
2. Enhance vehicle parking fees to discourage private transport.
3. Focused and targeted efforts to reduce air pollution in all identified hotspots.
The CAQM announced the withdrawal of Stage 3 of GRAP after Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 289, which is 61 points below the Supreme Court-mandated threshold required to implement Stage 3 measures.
Catch more updates here.
Catch all the Business News , Breaking News Events and Latest News Updates on Live Mint. Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates.