Capital chokes: GRAP-III reimposed in Delhi-NCR; air quality likely to turn 'severe'

NEW DELHI: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday enforced GRAP-III (Graded Response Action Plan) in Delhi-NCR as air quality is expected to slip into the ‘severe’ category in the coming days.Delhi-NCR has been grappling with high pollution levels for several months. In December, all measures under GRAP Stage III were implemented after the Air Quality Index (AQI) rose to the severe range. Slow wind speeds, a stable atmosphere, and unfavourable meteorological conditions led to poor dispersion of pollutants, worsening air quality across the region. Earlier, on January 2, CAQM had lifted GRAP-III curbs after a significant improvement in air quality. However, with pollution levels rising again, the restrictions have been reimposed to prevent further deterioration.Under Stage 3 curbs, non-essential construction and demolition activities have been banned. These include earthwork, piling, open trenching, welding, painting, plastering, tile and flooring work, along with operations at ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants. Transportation of construction materials such as cement, sand, and fly ash on unpaved roads has also been prohibited. Stone crushers, brick kilns, mining activities, and industries using unapproved fuels have been ordered to shut.Vehicular restrictions include a ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers, non-essential diesel-powered medium goods vehicles, and inter-state diesel buses that do not run on CNG, electricity, or BS-VI standards.At the same time, exemptions have been provided for essential services. Infrastructure and public service projects such as metro, railway, airport, highway, defence, healthcare, and sanitation works will continue. Construction related to critical projects is allowed under strict dust control and waste management norms. Persons with disabilities may use exempted vehicles, public transport is encouraged, and schools may operate in hybrid or online mode up to Grade 5.Authorities will continue to monitor air quality and take further action as required.