The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Monday imposed Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi after the city’s air quality deteriorated to the ‘very poor’ category.
The CAQM attributed the sharp decline in air quality to “highly unfavorable meteorological conditions,” which have exacerbated pollution levels.
The CAQM introduced a revised version of GRAP on December 13 to address the recurring problem of winter pollution in Delhi-NCR. GRAP is a set of emergency measures aimed at curbing pollution levels, implemented progressively depending on air quality severity. With calm winds and low mixing height exacerbating pollution levels, the CAQM stated that immediate action was necessary to mitigate the health risks posed by the deteriorating air quality.
In a statement, the CAQM said, “Considering the highly unfavourable meteorological conditions, including calm winds and very low mixing height, leading the AQI of Delhi into the higher end of the ‘very poor’ category, the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP has decided to impose Stage III with immediate effect in the entire NCR.”
The reimposition of Stage III introduces stricter measures across sectors to combat pollution. Schools and colleges in Delhi and adjoining areas, including Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar, will switch to hybrid learning for students up to Class V, enabling online education for those who opt for it.
To curb vehicular emissions, restrictions on inter-state buses entering Delhi will be tightened, permitting only electric, CNG, or BS-VI diesel vehicles. The Delhi government has also been instructed to ban diesel medium goods vehicles (MGVs) with BS-IV or older standards, except those carrying essential goods, within city limits. Non-essential diesel light commercial vehicles (LCVs) of BS-IV or older standards registered outside Delhi will also face restrictions.
The revised GRAP mandates additional responsibilities for Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), which will now be required to provide electric heaters for workers such as sanitation staff and security personnel to discourage open burning of biomass or waste during the winter months.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, exemptions have been introduced for them from restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles in Delhi and nearby districts.
(Inputs from ANI)
