NOIDA: Due to the worsening air quality in the Delhi-NCR region, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has initiated Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). As a result, the Noida Authority has implemented stringent restrictions on construction activities and vehicle movement throughout the city.
According to an official announcement on Tuesday, all construction work in Noida is suspended, with the exceptions of metro rail, hospitals, and flyovers. This action is aimed at reducing pollution levels as the region’s Air Quality Index (AQI) remains in the “severe” category.
On Wednesday evening, the AQI readings were 407 at the Noida Sector 1 monitoring station, 425 in Sector 125, 388 in Sector 62, and 415 in Sector 116. PM 2.5 and PM 10 are among the primary air pollutants.
Under these restrictions, BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles are banned from operating in Noida. Moreover, all ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants, stone crushers, and demolition activities must cease until further notice, as stated in the official release.
The authority has called upon all residents, institutions, and organizations in Noida to fully adhere to the guidelines issued under GRAP Stage-III and the directives from CAQM. “Non-compliance will lead to necessary legal actions and penalties as per the regulations,” the Noida Authority cautioned.
The implementation of GRAP Stage-III is part of a systematic approach to combat air pollution in the National Capital Region during the winter months, when emissions and weather conditions severely hinder air quality.
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) consists of emergency measures introduced in Delhi-NCR to address escalating levels of air pollution. It is enforced by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region and surrounding areas. The GRAP is activated in phases – Stage I (Poor), Stage II (Very Poor), Stage III (Severe), and Stage IV (Severe+) – based on the AQI severity.
