Commission revokes GRAP-III curbs

The Commission for Air Quality Management on Sunday revoked Stage-III curbs under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) following significant improvement in the average air quality index (AQI) of Delhi.

The decision to invoke Stage-III curbs was taken on January 3 after sharp rise in pollutant levels, pushing the air quality index (AQI) into the ‘severe’ category.

“Owing to favourable meteorological conditions and better wind speed, the AQI of Delhi has been continuously improving and has been recorded as 339 at 4 pm and 335 at 5 pm. The trend/forecast indicates the AQI levels to further go down,” the commission said.

Under Stage-III measures, stringent restrictions had been imposed to curb pollution sources. These include an immediate ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities, except for critical government projects. Industrial operations that run on fossil fuels are also restricted and the use of diesel generator sets is prohibited, except for emergency services.

The CAQM has urged state governments and pollution control boards to ensure strict enforcement of the restrictions under Stage-I and II.