Panel revokes GRAP Stage-1 measures across Delhi-NCR

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Sunday revoked the Stage-I measures of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR after the air quality improved.

On May 16, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 278 leading to imposition of GRAP 1. On Sunday, Delhi’s AQI clocked 179.

“In view of significant improvement in the daily average AQI of Delhi and also considering the meteorological/weather forecasts by the IMD, the Sub-Committee on Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) met on Sunday to review the current air quality scenario in the region and accordingly take an appropriate decision on the actions under Stage-I of the extant schedule of GRAP in place in the entire National Capital Region (NCR) since May 16,” an official statement read.

Further, the forecast by the IMD also predicts AQI to mainly remain in ‘moderate’ category in the coming days.

While comprehensively reviewing the overall air quality parameters of Delhi-NCR and other aspects, the sub-committee on GRAP unanimously decided to revoke Stage-I of the extant schedule of GRAP in the entire NCR with immediate effect.

The measures under Stage-I of GRAP include keeping engines of vehicles properly tuned and pollution under control (PUC) certificates of vehicles up to date. It also includes turning off the engine at red lights and preferring hybrid vehicles or EVs to control vehicular pollution.

The sub-committee said it would keep a close watch on the air quality scenario and review the situation from time to time for further appropriate decisions depending upon the air quality in Delhi and forecast made available by the IMD.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered “good”, 51 and 100 “satisfactory”, 101 and 200 “moderate”, 201 and 300 “poor”, 301 and 400 “very poor” and 401 and 500 “severe”.