Grap III Imposed As Delhi’s Air Quality Turns ‘Severe’
Authorities enforce stringent curbs on construction, vehicular movement and industrial activity as pollution levels spike across NCR
A sharp deterioration in Delhi’s air quality has led the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to impose Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap) across the National Capital Region, following the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) breaching the ‘severe’ category.
In its statement on Tuesday morning, the CAQM said Delhi’s AQI, which stood at 362 on 10 November, had risen sharply to 425 by 9 a.m. on 11 November due to calm winds, a stable atmosphere, and unfavourable meteorological conditions.
“Keeping in view the prevailing trend of air quality, and in an effort to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region, the Sub-Committee has taken the call to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage-III of extant Grap – ‘Severe’ Air Quality (Delhi AQI ranging between 401-450), with immediate effect, in the entire NCR,” the statement read.
Restrictions Across NCR
Under Grap III, a strict ban has been imposed on all construction and demolition activities that generate dust, including earthwork, brick and masonry work, major welding and gas-cutting operations, plastering, road construction, and transfer or loading of construction materials. Movement of vehicles carrying such materials on unpaved roads and the transportation of demolition waste have also been prohibited.
Additionally, the use of BS III petrol and BS IV diesel four-wheelers has been restricted in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar. The ban extends to BS-III diesel-operated medium goods vehicles registered in Delhi and similar vehicles registered outside the capital entering its limits.
Inter-state buses from NCR states, other than those running on electric, CNG or BS-VI diesel engines, will not be permitted to enter Delhi, except for vehicles operating with an All-India Tourist Permit.
State governments in the NCR, along with the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, have been advised to consider switching to online classes for children up to Class V.
Authorities have also directed intensified mechanised road sweeping, an expansion of public transport through differential fares, and the closure of all stone crushers, mining and associated activities across the NCR.
