The Centre’s panel on Delhi-NCR’s air quality reinstated stage 3 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) due to a sharp rise in pollution levels caused by unfavourable meteorological conditions, an official order said on Thursday.
Delhi’s air quality showed a worsening trend, with the 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) reaching 357 at 4 pm, up from 297 on Wednesday, due to “calm winds and foggy conditions.”
The Commission for Air Quality Management, tasked with formulating strategies to reduce air pollution in Delhi-NCR, instructed authorities to immediately enforce the measures outlined under stage 3 to prevent further deterioration of air quality.
GRAP Stage 3, which had been lifted on Sunday, includes a ban on non-essential construction work.
Under Stage 3, schools up to grade V must shift to hybrid learning, with parents and students having the option to opt for online education where available.
Stage 3 also imposes restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars (4-wheelers) in Delhi and the surrounding NCR districts, with exemptions for individuals with disabilities.
Also Read: PM2.5 pollution up in Delhi for second year on trot: Report
In addition, Stage 3 bans non-essential diesel-operated medium goods vehicles that do not meet BS-IV or newer standards in Delhi.
During winter, Delhi-NCR enforces GRAP restrictions, which classify air quality into four categories: Stage I (Poor, AQI 201-300), Stage II (Very Poor, AQI 301-400), Stage III (Severe, AQI 401-450), and Stage IV (Severe Plus, AQI above 450).
Hazardous air quality levels in Delhi-NCR during the winter months are exacerbated by unfavourable weather, vehicle emissions, paddy-straw burning, firecrackers, and other local pollution sources.
Doctors warn that breathing in Delhi’s polluted air is comparable to smoking around 10 cigarettes a day.
(With inputs from PTI)
The minimum temperature was recorded at 19.5 degrees Celsius, which was 0.7 notch above average.
Students are taking the lead in Delhi’s street art movement, turning public spaces into vibrant canvases of expression
Addressing a press conference, senior AAP leader and former education minister Manish Sisodia alleged that…
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan and veteran screenwriter Salim Khan were among the prominent personalities from the…
The veteran actor-filmmaker died on Friday due to age-related issues at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital.…
The iconic first fire station in CP, the first in Delhi, is set for redevelopment; old-timers reflect…