Delhi’s Air Quality ‘Severe’ For 2nd Day, Construction Banned As GRAP III Curbs Come Into Effect – News18

Last Updated:November 14, 2024, 19:01 IST

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) took the decision to raise the pollution mitigation level to GRAP-3

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Thursday invoked Stage-3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the national capital amid worsening air quality. The Centre’s air quality commission has announced the enforcement of GRAP Stage-3 from 8 am on Friday, November 15.

Meanwhile, the Delhi government has enforced stricter rules to control air pollution amid the deteriorating air quality index. As the AQI of the capital has reached the ‘severe’ category, the government has banned all non-essential construction and demolition work, among other actions.

However, the ban on construction work does not apply to projects needed for national security, healthcare, and certain public infrastructure work.

The key measures under GRAP Stage-3 include the frequency of road sprinklers to suppress dust and restrictions on diesel generators to emergency use only.

Authorities have also issued advice to residents in the capital and have encouraged them to reduce outdoor activity and not contribute to car emissions.

Notably, earlier in the day, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai stated that GRAP-3 would not be implemented in Delhi. Regarding the implementation of pollution mitigation measures under GRAP III, the minister said it would not be imposed yet as the situation was expected to improve from Friday.

Delhi Air Quality ‘Severe’

The national capital’s Air Quality Index (AQI) at 9 am on Thursday remained in the ‘severe’ category, with a reading of 428. On Wednesday, Delhi reported the worst AQI in the country, with the air quality turning ‘severe’ for the first time this season.

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for the National Capital Region (NCR) is classified under four different stages of adverse air quality in Delhi: 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 >450).