Panel lifts GRAP Stage 3 curbs

The Centre's panel on air quality for Delhi-NCR has rolled back Stage 3 curbs under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) following a significant improvement in air pollution levels, according to an official statement released on Friday. The rollback comes after a noticeable dip in pollution, thanks to continuous rainfall that helped clear the air.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) announced that Delhi’s air quality has moved from the "severe" category to the "poor" range. At 7 pm, the 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) stood at 324, down from previously recorded hazardous levels.

“As a result of the improvement, the stringent measures under Stage 3 are now being withdrawn,” the CAQM stated.

Stage 3 restrictions, which were imposed due to the hazardous levels of air pollution, included measures such as a ban on non-essential construction work, restrictions on the use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars and shifting classes up to grade 5 to hybrid mode. The latter allowed parents and students to opt for online education, wherever available.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, the air quality is expected to improve further due to favourable weather conditions, including more rain.

While Stage 3 measures are lifted, the CAQM has made it clear that restrictions under Stage 1 and 2 will remain in place. These include actions such as enhanced vigilance on pollution sources and the continuation of measures to curb emissions from transport and industrial sectors.

“We are taking every precaution to ensure that AQI levels do not deteriorate,” a CAQM official stated. “The implementation of Stage I and II measures will continue with strict vigilance,” the body assured.