Delhi pollution: GRAP 3 curbs to be imposed from November 15 as residents choke

NEW DELHI: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has announced the implementation of GRAP 3 (Graded Response Action Plan) in Delhi NCR starting tomorrow from 8am as air quality deteriorates to the 'severe' category.

The central body said that unfavorable meteorological conditions, including dense fog condition and North-Westerly winds moving the pollutants to Delhi are the major causes for sudden spike in AQI.

The GRAP comprises specific measures to tackle deteriorating air quality in Delhi and NCR regions. GRAP is announced when Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches 'severe' category, implementing various limitations on activities that contribute to pollution in addition to the restrictions implemented under GRAP 1 and 2.

Restrictions under Stage 3:
1. A complete halt on construction and demolition activities, along with suspension of non-essential mining operations.
2. Restrictions on interstate buses that are not electric, CNG-powered or BS-VI diesel compliant.
3. Educational institutions at primary level will shift to virtual learning platforms.
4. Water sprinkling operations on roadways.

Delhi chief minister Atishi announced that all primary schools in Delhi will be shifting to online classes due to rising pollution levels until further directions.

Additionally, petrol vehicles from the older emission norms BS-III and diesel vehicles of BS-IV category are not allowed on the roads in Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) such as Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar.

Meanwhile, Delhi Metro Rail Corporations (DMRC) announced that 20 extra trips will be inducted into services on weekdays starting tomorrow from 8 am after the announcement of GRAP 3. These will be in addition to 40 already in place since GRAP-II was implemented.



Earlier today, Delhi Environment minister Gopal Rai had said GRAP-3 would not be implemented as improvement in air quality is expected.

"In this winter season, the Air Quality Index has crossed 400 for the first time in the last two days in Delhi. IMD's analysis states two reasons for the sudden rise in AQI in Delhi -First, snowfall in higher reaches in the mountains there resulted in a drop in temperature and formation of fog in Delhi," said Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai.

Further he said, "Second, slow wind speed. From today, wind speed is expected to pick up. The maximum temperature recorded today is 29 degrees Celsius. The temperature is expected to rise to 30 degrees Celsius. CAQM met yesterday and it was decided that GRAP III restrictions will not be imposed yet."
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