New Delhi, Nov 26 (UNI) The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and adjoining areas on Wednesday revoked the Graded Response Action Plan 3 (GRAP 3) measures in Delhi, taking into account the city's improved air quality in the last three days.
The sub-committee on GRAP took the decision based on the forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). The air quality is likely to remain in the 'very poor' category in the coming days, said the experts from the meteorological institutions.
On Wednesday, Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 327, improving slightly in the past few days while remaining in the 'very poor' category.
In view of the improved conditions, the sub-committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has decided to withdraw its November 11 order enforcing Stage 3, which applies to the 'severe' air quality category. The withdrawal comes into effect immediately, the order noted.
With the revocation of GRAP 3 measures, the curbs on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Noida will be lifted.
Additionally, the bans on non-essential diesel-run BS-IV medium goods vehicles and on BS-IV and lower diesel light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi will no longer be applicable.
While the ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities will be lifted, the panel noted that sites previously issued closure notices for violations will not be allowed to resume work unless they receive a specific order from the Commission.
The pollution watchdog urged the citizens to strictly follow the revised GRAP 1 and GRAP 2 measures that are still in place in the city, keeping in view the winter season when the weather conditions are not favourable.
All agencies across the National Capital Region have been directed to strictly implement these actions, monitor compliance, and ensure that air quality does not slip back into the 'severe' or 'severe ' categories. Authorities have also been asked to intensify enforcement under Stage 1 and 2, maintaining close vigilance across the region.
Previously, the agency, taking into account the capital's poor air quality enforced GRAP Stage 1 on October 14, Stage 2 on October 19, and Stage 3 on November 11, once the city's air logged into the 'severe' air category.