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

The central government has imposed a blanket ban on non-essential construction activity and the use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in the Delhi and national capital region (NCR) on Sunday, due to worsening air quality.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), a statutory body responsible for developing and implementing regional air pollution reduction strategies, noted a significant increase in Delhi's AQI (458 and 457 at 10 and 11 a.m.) due to unfavourable climatic conditions and local pollution sources.

The committee resolved to apply GRAP Stage-III limits ('severe' air quality index (AQI) range) immediately to prevent further deterioration, anticipating a prolonged period of bad air quality.

The statement issued by CAQM said, "CAQM Sub-Committee decides to invoke 8-point action plan as per Stage-III of GRAP in the entire NCR with immediate effect, to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region."

CAQM Sub-Committee for operationalization of GRAP called on an emergency meeting today morning in view of sudden deterioration of air quality of Delhi-NCR from last evening.
Contd. (1/2)

— Commission for Air Quality Management (@CAQM_Official) January 14, 2024

And further stated, "GRAP Stage-III restrictions include closing down operations of stone crushers, closing down all mining and associated activities in the NCR, and strict ban on construction and demolition activities in the entire NCR (except certain categories of projects).  

"NCR State governments/GNCTD to impose strict restrictions on plying of BS III petrol and BS IV diesel LMVs (4 wheelers) in Delhi and in the districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Budh Nagar. State governments in NCR and GNCTD may take a decision on discontinuing physical classes in schools for children up to Class V and conducting classes in an online mode," it added.

Non-essential construction work is prohibited, as is the use of BS III petrol and BS IV diesel four-wheelers in the region.

The moratorium does not apply to construction activity connected to national security or defence, projects of national importance, healthcare, trains, metro rail, airports, inter-state bus terminals, highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission, pipelines, sanitation, and water supply.

The Centre's air pollution mitigation plan, known as the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), is executed across the region during 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).