New Delhi, Feb 3 (PTI) – The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Monday lifted restrictions under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR following a decline in pollution levels due to favourable meteorological conditions.
The decision came as the capital's average Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped below the 300 mark, indicating an improvement in air quality. Stage 3 of GRAP, which was earlier enforced, mandates a ban on non-essential construction activities and restricts the use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars in Delhi and adjoining NCR districts. Exemptions are granted to persons with disabilities.
Additionally, Stage 3 restrictions include a ban on non-essential diesel-operated medium goods vehicles with BS-IV or older standards. Schools up to Grade V are required to operate in a hybrid mode, allowing students and parents to opt for online education where possible.
Delhi-NCR follows GRAP during winter months to combat severe air pollution, which is categorized into four stages—Stage I (Poor, AQI 201-300), Stage II (Very Poor, AQI 301-400), Stage III (Severe, AQI 401-450), and Stage IV (Severe Plus, AQI above 450). The worsening air quality is primarily attributed to adverse weather conditions, vehicular emissions, stubble burning, firecrackers, and other local pollution sources.
With the rollback of Stage 3 curbs, construction activities and vehicle movement will witness eased restrictions, though authorities continue to monitor air quality closely.
The decision came as the capital's average Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped below the 300 mark, indicating an improvement in air quality. Stage 3 of GRAP, which was earlier enforced, mandates a ban on non-essential construction activities and restricts the use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars in Delhi and adjoining NCR districts. Exemptions are granted to persons with disabilities.
Additionally, Stage 3 restrictions include a ban on non-essential diesel-operated medium goods vehicles with BS-IV or older standards. Schools up to Grade V are required to operate in a hybrid mode, allowing students and parents to opt for online education where possible.
Delhi-NCR follows GRAP during winter months to combat severe air pollution, which is categorized into four stages—Stage I (Poor, AQI 201-300), Stage II (Very Poor, AQI 301-400), Stage III (Severe, AQI 401-450), and Stage IV (Severe Plus, AQI above 450). The worsening air quality is primarily attributed to adverse weather conditions, vehicular emissions, stubble burning, firecrackers, and other local pollution sources.
With the rollback of Stage 3 curbs, construction activities and vehicle movement will witness eased restrictions, though authorities continue to monitor air quality closely.
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