The Commission of Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Thursday reimposed Stage III restrictions under the anti-pollution Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR due to worsening air pollution and a sharp decline in the air quality index (AQI).
The Commission stated that, in line with the Supreme Court’s directives to enforce GRAP measures, Stage III restrictions were being reintroduced as “AQI of Delhi, which was recorded as 297 on January 8, exhibited a sharp increasing trend and has been recorded 357 at 4 pm on January 9 due to calm winds and foggy conditions.”
The panel emphasized that restrictions under Stage I and II of the revised GRAP would remain in effect alongside Stage III measures. Authorities will continue to monitor and review AQI levels across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
“Citizens are requested to strictly adhere to the citizen charter under GRAP Stage-III,” the CAQM notice stated.
Delhi on Thursday experienced shallow fog, with residents enduring the persistent cold wave. The minimum temperature was recorded at five degrees Celsius, while the maximum is expected to reach 21 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department’s forecast.
The CAQM had previously lifted Stage III restrictions on January 5 after AQI levels in Delhi-NCR showed consistent improvement.
Restrictions under GRAP-3
The following measures have been imposed under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP):
- Ban on private construction and demolition activities.
- Schools up to Class 5 to shift to hybrid mode of learning.
- Use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers prohibited.
- Non-essential BS-IV diesel-operated medium goods vehicles prohibited.
The Supreme Court had notably directed the CAQM in December to enforce Stage III measures if the AQI surpassed the 350 mark and to impose Stage IV restrictions if the air quality exceeded 400 on any given day.
The Central Pollution Control Board categorizes AQI levels as follows:
- Between 0 and 50: “Good”
- Between 51 and 100: “Satisfactory”
- Between 101 and 200: “Moderate”
- Between 201 and 300: “Poor”
- Between 301 and 400: “Very Poor”
- Over 400: “Severe”
