GRAP Stage-III norms reimposed in NCR as Delhi air quality turns ‘severe’

Anshita Mehra

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New Delhi, January 14

The air quality of the national capital has once again deteriorated to the ‘severe’ category. The average air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 447 on Sunday.

Responding to the worsening air quality, the Central Government has swiftly issued a series of directives under the Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to counter the severe conditions.

As the air quality worsens across the Capital, the government has mandated an immediate ban on non-essential construction activities. Additionally, restrictions have been imposed on the plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi-NCR.

Almost all areas in Delhi reported AQI levels in the severe category, with readings reaching 477 in Nehru Nagar, 476 in Karni Singh Shooting Range, 471 in Dwarka Sector 8 and Patparganj and 469 in RK Puram, at 8 pm on Sunday night.

With anticipation of a prolonged period of AQI in the ‘severe’ category (401-450), the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR has decided to implement all actions under Stage-III of the GRAP. These measures include intensified road cleaning, daily water sprinkling with dust suppressants and enhanced public transport services with differential rates to encourage off-peak travel.

Strict restrictions on construction and demolition activities have been imposed, however certain project categories have been exempted. Dust-generating activities, such as earthwork, structural construction and loading/unloading of construction materials are strictly prohibited.

Further measures involve the immediate closure of stone crushers, cessation of all mining and associated activities in NCR and restrictions on specific vehicle types in designated areas. The authorities have urged citizens to adhere to the GRAP measures, opt for cleaner commuting options, remote work, and minimise the use of coal and wood for heating.

In terms of weather conditions, the maximum temperature in the capital reached 20.6°C while the minimum temperature dipped to 3.5°C.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted cold wave conditions in some places on Monday with a ‘be aware’ alert for Delhi, Gurugram and Faridabad. Besides, a ‘red warning’ has been issued for Ghaziabad and Gautam Budh Nagar.

For Tuesday, the entire NCR district is on the ‘be aware’ alert. The rest of the week is anticipated to witness moderate to dense fog in the morning, although no specific warnings have been issued for subsequent days so far.