GRAP-IV revoked as air quality improves

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), on Wednesday, revoked Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR citing an improvement in air quality. However, restrictions under GRAP stages III, II, and I will continue to remain in force.

The move comes after Delhi’s average air quality index (AQI) dropped to 271 on Wednesday, indicating a downward trend from 412 recorded on December 23, according to the daily AQI bulletin from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

In its order, the sub-committee on GRAP said, “Keeping in view the disruptive nature of restrictions under Stage-IV of the extant GRAP impacting a large number of stakeholders and public as well as considering the trend of improvement in the average AQI of Delhi, the GRAP sub-committee unanimously decides to revoke Stage-IV of the extant schedule of GRAP in the entire NCR, with immediate effect.”

The committee, however, clarified that measures under Stages III, II, and I of GRAP will continue.

The order said, “All actions under Stages III, II & I of GRAP will remain invoked and be implemented, intensified, monitored and reviewed by all agencies concerned in the entire NCR to ensure that the AQI levels do not rise further in the coming days.”

The CAQM also highlighted that construction and demolition sites previously ordered to close for non-compliance must not resume operations without specific permission. Citizens have been advised to follow the GRAP citizen charter under Stages III, II, and I to avoid a return to Stage-IV restrictions.

The sub-committee said it would continue to monitor air quality and review the situation as per forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).

“The sub-committee shall be keeping a close watch on the situation and will review the air quality scenario from time to time for further appropriate decision depending upon the air quality in Delhi and forecast made by the IMD/IITM,” the CAQM said.