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The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi and the National Capital Region on Friday, November 6, 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 implemented the restrictions as a precautionary measure, although GRAP III typically comes into force when the AQI reaches the ‘Severe’ category.
The measures prohibit non-essential construction and demolition activities, including excavation, piling and trenching. Authorities will also restrict BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi and neighbouring NCR districts.
The restrictions include shutting down stone crushers, mining operations and hot-mix plants that do not use clean fuel. Diesel generator sets will also face restrictions, except for essential and emergency services.
Inter-state diesel buses entering or operating in Delhi will face restrictions. Authorities will also regulate the transportation of construction materials.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced that schools will conduct classes for children up to Class 5 in hybrid mode, combining physical and online learning wherever feasible.
The arrangement will also apply to Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar.
Sirsa urged residents to follow pollution-control measures, warning that declining wind speeds could further deteriorate air quality.
GRAP III also allows authorities to consider working arrangements involving 50 per cent office attendance and work-from-home facilities.
The Central Government may separately decide on similar arrangements for its employees.
Earlier, CAQM implemented GRAP Stage II on November 2 after Delhi’s average AQI reached 324.
The latest restrictions aim to reduce pollution levels and protect residents from worsening air quality during the festive period.
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