Breath of relief! Delhi-NCR lifts GRAP stage 3 restrictions

New Delhi: In a welcome development, the government announced the lifting of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage 3 restrictions on Tuesday, citing a notable improvement in air quality across Delhi-NCR. The decision follows the findings of the Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM), which reported enhanced air quality attributed to increased wind speed and light rains. While this marks a positive stride, it's essential to note that GRAP 1 and 2 restrictions will persist.

BS-3 petrol, BS-4 diesel vehicles greenlit

Under the revised guidelines, residents can now utilise their BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel vehicles in Delhi-NCR. CAQM, in a statement, referenced Direction No. 77 dated 6th October 2023, which mandates the implementation of the updated GRAP schedule when invoked.

Sub-committee review, optimistic projections

The sub-committee, convening on January 1, 2024, conducted a comprehensive review of the air quality scenario, considering forecasts from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The statement revealed a positive trend, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) for Delhi recorded at 346 at 4:00 pm—55 AQI points below the GRAP Stage-III threshold (Delhi AQI 401-450). Both IMD/IITM forecasts and AQI improvements indicated the potential for sustained progress, prompting the sub-committee to revoke the Stage-III order issued on December 22, 2023.

GRAP stage I and II measures remain in effect

While Stage-III restrictions are lifted, Stage-I to Stage-II measures of the GRAP will persist, requiring continued implementation, monitoring, and review by relevant agencies throughout the entire NCR. A vigilant approach is emphasized, urging agencies to intensify measures under Stage-I & II to prevent any regression into 'Severe' AQI categories. The sub-committee commits to closely monitoring air quality, making decisions based on real-time data and forecasts provided by IMD/IITM.

As Delhi-NCR breathes a sigh of relief, ongoing efforts and vigilance underscore the commitment to maintaining and further enhancing air quality in the region.