NEW DELHI: The Air Quality Management Commission (CAQM) on Friday enforced GRAP-III (Graded Response Action Plan) in Delhi-NCR as air quality is expected to slip into ‘severe’ category in the coming days.Delhi-NCR has been battling high pollution levels for several months. In December, all GRAP Level III measures were implemented after the air quality index (AQI) rose to critical levels. Slow wind speeds, a stable atmosphere and unfavorable meteorological conditions led to poor dispersion of pollutants and worsened air quality across the region.Previously, on January 2, CAQM had lifted GRAP III restrictions following a significant improvement in air quality. However, with pollution rising again, restrictions have been reintroduced to prevent further deterioration.Non-essential construction and demolition work has been banned under Level 3 curbs. This includes earthworks, piling work, open trench work, welding, painting, plastering, tiling and flooring work as well as work in ready-mixed concrete plants (RMC). Transporting construction materials such as cement, sand and fly ash on unpaved roads is also prohibited. Stone crushers, brick kilns, mining operations and industries using unapproved fuels were ordered to close.The vehicle restrictions include a ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers, non-essential diesel-powered medium-duty commercial vehicles and interstate diesel buses that do not run on CNG, electricity or BS-VI standards.At the same time, exceptions were made for essential services. Infrastructure and public service projects such as subway, railway, airport, highway, defense, health and sanitation projects will continue. Construction work related to critical projects is permitted under strict dust control and waste management norms. People with disabilities are allowed to use exempt vehicles, public transportation is encouraged, and schools can operate in hybrid or online mode up to 5th grade.Authorities will continue to monitor air quality and take further action if necessary.
