GRAP-III curbs reimposed in Delhi-NCR as air quality slips towards severe

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday enforced Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR after air pollution levels showed a sharp upward trend and were forecast to deteriorate further in the coming days.

Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI), which stood at 343 at 4 pm on January 15, rose to 354 by 4 pm on Friday, indicating worsening conditions. Weather forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and IITM suggest that slow wind speeds, a stable atmosphere, and unfavourable meteorological conditions could push the city’s average AQI beyond 400, placing it in the ‘severe’ category.

Pollution expected to enter ‘severe’ zone

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The CAQM has forecast that tepid winds and meteorological conditions will prevail for the next few days, which will have the effect of preventing the pollutants from moving around easily. This situation of poor dispersion is responsible for the accumulation of pollution, which has consequently led to the rise in concentration levels in different parts of the National Capital Region.

The restrictions were brought back after they were relaxed on January 2, when air quality had briefly improved. However, Delhi-NCR has been facing high pollution for several months. GRAP-III measures were also implemented in December when the AQI had reached severe levels.

Also read: Toxic Smog Returns: Delhi records widespread ‘very poor’ AQI

Construction, industrial activities banned

Under Stage III restrictions, all non-essential construction and demolition activities have been prohibited. This includes earthwork, piling, open trenching, welding, painting, plastering, tile and flooring work, as well as operations at ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants.

The transportation of construction materials such as cement, sand, and fly ash on unpaved roads has also been banned. Additionally, stone crushers, brick kilns, mining operations, and industries using unapproved fuels have been ordered to shut down.

Vehicular curbs tightened across Delhi-NCR

To cut down on emissions, significant limitations have also been placed on the movement of vehicles. Gasoline and Diesel BS-IV barred besides non-essential medium goods powered by diesel to operate in Delhi are the four-wheelers of the earlier type BS-III as well.

Inter-state diesel buses that do not meet CNG, electric, or BS-VI standards are also prohibited. Non-destined goods vehicles are being diverted at Delhi’s borders to ease congestion and curb pollution within city limits.

Exemptions for essential services

Though the restrictions have been imposed, a number of exemptions have been specified. Cars that are used for essential and emergency services like healthcare, sanitation, buffering, law enforcement, and government operations are permitted.

Infrastructure and public service projects concerning metro, railways, airports, highways, defence, and healthcare will be carried out, but very strict dust-control and waste-management methods will be used. The same goes for the vehicles used by disabled persons, as well as public transport, which continue to be exempt. Schools can offer hybrid or online classes for students in up to Grade 5.

What is GRAP?

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a system to control air pollution in Delhi-NCR. It sets clear actions that are taken when air pollution levels increase. The Supreme Court approved this plan in 2016, and it is managed by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).

GRAP has four stages. As air pollution gets worse, stronger measures are applied. When a new stage starts, the actions from earlier stages also continue.

GRAP stages explained

• Stage I (Poor): AQI 201–300
• Stage II (Very Poor): AQI 301–400
• Stage III (Severe): AQI 401–500
• Stage IV (Severe+): AQI above 500