NEW DELHI: On Tuesday, the Centre enacted stricter anti-pollution measures as part of Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR after the city’s air quality reached the ‘severe’ category.
The decision followed a sharp increase in Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI), which climbed from 362 on Monday to 425 on Tuesday morning. This escalation was attributed to calm winds, stable atmospheric conditions, and unfavorable weather that facilitated the accumulation of pollutants near the ground, according to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
Stage III measures include a ban on non-essential construction work and the closure of stone crushers and mining operations, adding to actions already enforced under Stages I and II of GRAP.
Classes up to Class 5 will transition to hybrid learning formats under Stage 3, allowing parents and students to opt for online education wherever possible.
Additionally, the use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles (4-wheelers) is restricted in Delhi and the surrounding NCR districts, though exemptions are made for persons with disabilities.
During the winter months, the Delhi-NCR region applies restrictions under GRAP, which classifies air quality into four stages: 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 winter are often exacerbated by unfavorable weather conditions, vehicle emissions, paddy-straw burning, firecrackers, and other localized pollution sources.
