GRAP-III curbs back as air quality deteriorates

Tribune News Service

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New Delhi, January 3

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday invoked Stage 3 curbs 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 commission said the AQI of Delhi was exhibiting an increasing trend. It crossed 350 on Friday morning and was 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 the revised GRAP restrictions, all non-commercial construction and demolition activities will be banned. However, railway, airport ad linear public projects will continue. 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 students up to Class V.

Over 400 flights delayed

Dense fog enveloped various parts of North India, bringing visibility and temperatures down and impacting train and flight operations. At Indira Gandhi International Airport, over 400 flights were delayed as visibility came down to zero.

IMD issues ‘orange alert’

Dense fog engulfed the national capital on Friday morning reducing visibility to zero in several areas. At 8 am, the Palam weather station recorded zero visibility, while Safdarjung reported slightly better visibility at 50 metres. The air quality in the national capital also dipped to “very poor” category, with AQI reading of 371 at pm. The minimum temperature in Delhi was recorded at 7 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued “orange alert” for Delhi. The department forecast light rain in some parts of the capital on January 6. The minimum temperature is expected to fall to five degrees on January 9, according to the forecast.