GRAP 3 curbs back in Delhi amid rise in air pollution        

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday invoked further stringent measures under Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) owing to the deteriorating air quality in the national capital.

The average air quality index in the national capital was recorded at 371 on Friday. The central commission said the AQI of Delhi is exhibiting an increasing trend, crossed 350 in the morning on Friday and has been recorded 371 at 4 pm owing to dense fog, low mixing height, variable winds and unfavourable meteorological conditions.

According to forecasts from the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, the air quality situation is predicted to deteriorate further owing to unfavourable meteorological conditions.

Under revised GRAP restrictions, all non-commercial construction and demolition activities will be banned. Stone crushing and mining operations will be closed in the Delhi-NCR.

Strict restrictions will be in place for plying of BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles.

Schools are required to mandatorily conduct classes in ‘hybrid mode’ for classes up to 5.

Dense fog enveloped various parts of north India, bringing visibility and temperatures down and impacting train and flight operations. At Delhi's India Gandhi International Airport, 202 flights were delayed as visibility came down to zero.