Delhi-NCR: GRAP-IV Restrictions Lifted as Air Quality Improves

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on wednesday withdrew Stage IV restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap) across Delhi-NCR following an enhancement in air quality.

“Air quality index (AQI) of Delhi has shown meaningful improvement since yesterday night owing to high winds and favourable meteorological conditions and has been recorded as 271 (poor category) on December 24,” the Commission said.

However, restrictions under Grap Stages I, II and III will continue to remain in force, it added.

The national capital’s air quality showed further improvement on Wednesday afternoon after several smog-filled days, though the AQI still stood at 349 (very poor category) in the morning.

Did you know?– The Graded Response Action Plan (Grap) is a set of measures implemented in Delhi-NCR to combat air pollution, categorized into four stages based on AQI levels. Stage IV is the most severe.

The CAQM’s decision to lift Stage IV restrictions,which included measures like banning construction and industrial activities,comes after days of “very poor” and “severe” air quality in the region. The improvement is attributed to strong winds and favorable weather patterns dispersing pollutants. The CAQM initiated the GRAP measures in early November as pollution levels began to spike wiht the onset of winter.

The Delhi government, led by Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, has also been proactive in addressing the pollution crisis. Sirsa announced the continuation of the ‘No PUC, No fuel’ policy, requiring vehicles to have valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates to purchase fuel, even after the lifting of GRAP IV.

Pro tip– Regularly checking the AQI can help individuals make informed decisions about outdoor activities and protect their health during periods of poor air quality.

Beyond the ‘No PUC, No fuel’ policy, the government has allocated ₹100 crore for the rejuvenation of over 1,000 water bodies in Delhi, aiming to increase moisture in the air and reduce dust. Additionally, operational control of public buses will be transferred from the Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit system (DIMTS) to the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) starting next financial year, a move intended to improve public transport efficiency and reduce emissions.

Despite the current improvement,the CAQM cautioned that winter conditions are unpredictable. Forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) suggest a potential rise in AQI levels due to slower wind speeds in the coming days. This highlights the need for continued vigilance and preparedness to address future pollution episodes.

Reader question– What other long-term solutions do you think are needed to sustainably improve air quality in Delhi-NCR? Share your thoughts!