Centre’s air quality panel implements anti-pollution measures under GRAP III for Delhi-NCR

In response to a sharp decline in air quality due to unfavorable weather conditions, the Centre's air quality panel for Delhi-NCR has invoked restrictive measures under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The decision was made on Monday as the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi reached a concerning 367 at 2 pm, signaling a high level of air pollution.

The adverse weather conditions, including calm winds and very low mixing heights, have pushed Delhi’s AQI into the higher end of the "very poor" category. This period of poor air quality, typically prevalent from November to January, prompted the sub-committee on GRAP to take immediate action, imposing Stage III of the revised plan issued last Friday.

Key measures under Stage III include the mandatory shift of classes for students up to Class V in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar to hybrid mode. Students and parents will have the option to choose online education where available.

Additionally, Stage III restrictions impose a ban on non-essential diesel-operated medium goods vehicles with BS-IV or older standards within Delhi. Non-essential diesel light commercial vehicles of BS-IV or older standards, registered outside Delhi, are also prohibited from entering the city. Previously, these restrictions applied only to BS-III vehicles.

The air quality measures aim to reduce pollution levels and safeguard public health amid the deteriorating environmental conditions in the region.