Delhi-NCR air pollution: Ban on non-essential construction, plying of BS-III petrol, BS-IV diesel cars lifted in capital

Delhi-NCR air pollution: The Central government eased a restriction on non-essential construction work and the use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi-NCR on Thursday, citing improved regional air quality.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) tweeted, "CAQM revokes Stage-III of GRAP in the entire NCR with immediate effect", after reporting a considerable improvement, with an AQI of 316 at 2 p.m., significantly below the threshold for triggering Stage-III actions under the Graded Response Action Plan (G.R.A.P.), an air pollution mitigation strategy.

CAQM revokes Stage-III of GRAP in the entire NCR with immediate effect.
Kindly visit https://t.co/FiyvDbIEXa for details.

— Commission for Air Quality Management (@CAQM_Official) January 18, 2024

Preventive measures are in place, and the forecast anticipates additional improvement, according to the statutory agency in charge of developing and implementing regional air pollution reduction programmes.

However, Stage I to Stage II steps remain in place to prevent a move to the'severe' category.

The Stage III limitations were implemented on Sunday as the air quality dropped to'severe plus' levels.

Also Read - Delhi-NCR air pollution: GRAP Stage-III restrictions imposed, Govt bans non-essential construction work, plying of polluting 4-wheelers

The restrictions include a prohibition on non-essential building activities and the operation of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in the region.

The restriction did not apply to construction activity linked to national security or defence, national important projects, healthcare, trains, metro rail, airports, interstate bus terminals, motorways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission, pipelines, sanitation, or water supply.

GRAP is the Centre's air pollution control plan for the region throughout the winter season.

It categorises actions into four stages: 
Stage I - 'Poor' (AQI 201-300); 
Stage II - 'Very Poor' (AQI 301-400); 
Stage III - 'Severe' (AQI 401-450); 
Stage IV - 'Severe Plus' (AQI>450).