GRAP 3 curbs enforced in Delhi-NCR as air quality likely to turn ‘severe’

Delhi-NCR pollution: The Commission on Air Quality Management (CAQM) imposed GRAP 3 restrictions in the Delhi-NCR region after air quality showed an improving trend, PTI reported. The air quality index (AQI) in Delhi, which was 343 at 4 pm on Thursday, rose to 354 at 4 pm on Friday, officials said.

“Also, forecasts of weather and meteorological conditions by IMD/IITM indicate that due to slow wind speed, stable atmosphere, unfavorable weather parameters and meteorological conditions and non-dispersion of pollutants, Delhi’s average AQI will cross the 400 mark in the coming days and fall into the ‘severe’ category,” a senior official said. he said.

“Considering the prevailing trend in air quality, AQI forecasts and to prevent further deterioration, the GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) CAQM sub-committee today took the call to initiate all actions envisaged in Phase III of the current GRAP with immediate effect across the entire NCR as a proactive measure,” the official said. he said.

GRAP 3 restrictions

While GRAP 3 restrictions were canceled on January 2 following improvement in air quality, various preventive and control measures under GRAP 1 and 2 continue across NCR.

GRAP classifies air quality into four stages: ‘poor’ (AQI 201-300), ‘very poor’ (AQI 301-400), ‘severe’ (AQI 401-450) and ‘severe plus’ (AQI above 450). Vehicle emissions, stubble burning, fireworks and other local sources of pollution, as well as adverse meteorological conditions, often push the air quality in Delhi-NCR to hazardous levels during the winter season.