Delhi-NCR Air Pollution: CAQM Invokes GRAP Stage III As AQI Reaches 382

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday, November 6, invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) following a deterioration in air quality ahead of Diwali.

Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 382, placing it in the ‘Very Poor’ category.

Authorities introduced the restrictions as a precautionary measure, even though GRAP Stage III is generally associated with the ‘Severe’ AQI category.

The restrictions prohibit non-essential construction and demolition activities, including excavation, piling and trenching.

Authorities will restrict BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi and neighbouring NCR districts.

The measures cover stone crushers, mining operations and hot-mix plants that do not use clean fuel.

Diesel generator sets will face restrictions, except for essential and emergency services.

Inter-state diesel buses entering or operating in Delhi will face curbs, while the transportation of construction materials will be regulated.

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced that schools will conduct classes for students up to Class 5 in hybrid mode, wherever feasible.

The arrangement will extend to Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar.

Sirsa urged residents to follow pollution-control measures and warned that declining wind speeds could worsen air quality.

GRAP Stage III provisions further allow authorities to consider 50 per cent office attendance and work-from-home arrangements.

The Central Government may separately decide on similar measures for its employees.

CAQM had implemented GRAP Stage II on November 2, when Delhi’s average AQI reached 324.

The latest restrictions aim to curb pollution and protect residents as the festive season continues.

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