CAQM rolls out GRAP-III in Delhi-NCR ahead of Diwali as AQI rises to 382: Here’s what’s allowed and restricted | Today’s news
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) appealed on Friday to III. phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi after the average air quality index (AQI) soared to 382, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category.
Air quality in the capital approached the “severe” category on Friday, just two days before Diwali, as pollution levels rose and a layer of smog enveloped the city, reducing visibility.
Although Phase III is generally associated with the “severe” AQI category, CAQM used the measure as a precautionary step. The move comes amid predictions that pollution levels in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) could “worse” from Saturday, with Diwali celebrations, vehicular emissions and peak stubble burning season expected to add to the pollution burden.
Read also | Delhi Curbs: List to Check Before Heading to Office – What’s Prohibited/Allowed
Restrictions under GRAP Stage III were added to the measures in force in Stages I and II.
What is GRAP?
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures introduced in Delhi and NCR to control air pollution. It has four phases, with restrictions gradually tightening as air quality worsens.
Stage I: Poor (AQI 201–300)
Stage II: Very poor (AQI 301–400)
Stage III: Severe (AQI 401–450)
Stage IV: Severe plus (AQI over 450)
GRAP III: What is allowed and what is not?
Some of the key restrictions that came into effect after the implementation of Phase III include:
Prohibition of non-essential construction and demolition activities
Restrictions for BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles
Hybrid classes for students up to grade 5
Shut down polluting industries using unapproved fuels
Closure of stone crushers across Delhi-NCR
Suspension of mining and related activities in Delhi-NCR
Read also | Delhi Pollution: Rohini tops as AQI nears mark
What is allowed in GRAP Stage III?
1. Public transport services: Metro and public bus services can continue to operate as usual. Authorities can increase the frequency of metro lines and introduce more buses to encourage the use of public transport and reduce dependence on private vehicles. Other vehicles not covered by the restrictions, including BS-VI eligible, CNG and electric vehicles, can continue to run in accordance with existing regulations.
2. Schools and authorities: The CAQM regulation directs schools up to Class 5 in Delhi and the NCR districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar to conduct courses in hybrid mode, allowing students to attend either in person or online whenever possible. Other NCR districts may also consider adopting similar measures.
State governments and the Delhi government can decide whether public, municipal and private offices should function with 50% of their employees physically present while the remaining employees work from home. The center can take a separate decision regarding its employees. Private offices were also advised to consider working from home or hybrid arrangements.
3. Construction projects: Construction work related to basic infrastructure projects can continue provided they comply with the prescribed dust control measures. Other activities that generate a comparably lower level of dust or pollution may also be permitted, subject to compliance with applicable standards for dust abatement and construction waste management.
Read also | Delhi AQI hits 331 on Nov 3: Which areas see ‘severe’ pollution?
Delhi AQI
Of the 58 air quality monitoring stations that recorded data, 26 reported AQI levels in the “severe” category, while 31 recorded values in the “very poor” category. Only one station, Lodhi Road, reported “poor” air quality.
Punjabi Bagh recorded the highest AQI at 453, followed by Jahangirpuri at 447 and Rohini at 444.
Delhi’s average AQI rose to 382 on Friday from 369 a day earlier, approaching the “severe” mark of 401. Several monitoring stations across the city have already recorded AQI levels above 400, indicating further deterioration in air quality.
According to the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, the AQI is likely to remain in the ‘severe’ category between November 7 and 9. The forecast for the next six days also suggests that pollution levels are likely to fluctuate between the “very bad” and “severe” categories.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) classifies AQI into six categories: 0–50 is “good”, 51–100 is “satisfactory”, 101–200 is “moderate”, 201–300 is “poor”, 301–400 is “very poor”.001
