As the air quality is showing a marked improvement across Delhi-NCR, the Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan of the Commission for Air Quality Management has revoked Stage-III of GRAP with immediate effect. Our Correspondent reports that the decision was taken following favourable meteorological conditions and a sustained downward trend in AQI levels.

 

 

The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas said that Delhi’s air quality had improved yesterday due to strong winds and favourable weather conditions. The Air Quality Index stood at 222 at 7:00 AM today, indicating a significant improvement in air quality. Following the rollback of Stage-III of GRAP, private construction and demolition activities, mining and allied operations have been allowed to resume with immediate effect.

 

 

Restrictions imposed on the operation of BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel vehicles under Stage-III have also been lifted, along with other vehicular curbs applicable under this stage. While comprehensively reviewing air quality parameters of Delhi-NCR, the Sub-Committee noted that the AQI had improved to 236 yesterday, reinforcing the decision to withdraw Stage-III measures.

 

 

However, the Commission has directed all concerned agencies to maintain strict vigil and intensify measures under Stages II and I of the extant GRAP to prevent any further deterioration in air quality. The government has also urged citizens to strictly adhere to the Citizen Charter under Stages II and I, so that air quality levels do not slip again.