New Delhi: Delhi-NCR has been contending with high pollution levels in recent times. In December, GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) III was implemented after the Air Quality Index (AQI) rose to the ‘severe’ range. Now again, with air quality dipping into the ‘severe’ category, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) enforced GRAP-III in the state.

In light of the continued deterioration in Delhi’s air quality, the GRAP Sub-Committee of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has decided to implement all actions under Stage-III (severe category) of GRAP with immediate effect.

Earlier, CAQM had removed the GRAP-III restrictions after Delhi witnessed a significant improvement in the air quality on January 2. But now, the AQI has crossed the 400-mark again, and the curbs have been reimposed to control the controllables.

GRAP-III restrictions

Under GRAP-III, demolition activities and non-essential construction have been forbidden, including painting, plastering, tile and flooring work, earthwork, open trenching, and ready-mixed concrete (RMC) plant operation.

Transportation of construction materials, including cement, sand, and fly ash, has also been banned under the GRAP-III. The mining activities, stone crushers, and brick kilns will also be shut down at the same time.

In the vehicle category, four-wheelers with BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel, non-essential diesel-powered medium goods vehicles, and inter-state diesel buses running on other mediums rather than CNG, electricity, or BS-VI standards are prohibited under GRAP-III.

Some exemptions are also provided, such as infrastructure, healthcare, and public service projects, which will continue, including metro services, railways, airports, highways, defence, and sanitation work.

School will run on a hybrid model or online mode up to class 5. Authorities will be monitoring the situation and air quality and will take action as required in Delhi-NCR.