Delhi NCR Air Quality / Air quality improves in Delhi-NCR, Grape-3 restrictions removed

GRAP-3 restrictions have been lifted after the improvement in air quality in Delhi-NCR. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) took this decision after the average AQI was recorded at 339 on January 5. Under GRAP-3, restrictions like ban on diesel vehicles, construction work halt and school closure were imposed, which have now been lifted.

Vikrant Shekhawat : Jan 05, 2025, 07:40 PM
Delhi NCR Air Quality: Grape-3 has been removed after the improvement in air quality in Delhi-NCR. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has also abolished all restrictions related to Grape-3. Today, on January 5, between 4 pm and 5 pm, Delhi's average air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 339. This level is worrisome, but is out of the severe category. Due to this, the commission has removed the restrictions of Grape-3 with immediate effect.

Why was Grape-3 imposed?

Actually, on January 3, air pollution in Delhi-NCR had reached dangerous levels. Due to AQI coming in the severe category, the Air Quality Management Commission had decided to implement Grape-3. Under this, many strict restrictions were imposed so that the level of pollution could be controlled. However, due to strong winds for the last two days, the level of pollution started decreasing and the air quality improved.

What is Grape-3?

GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) is a four-level action plan, which is implemented based on the level of air pollution. GRAP-3 is implemented when the AQI reaches above 401 i.e. in the severe category. At this level, many strict restrictions are implemented so that air pollution can be reduced rapidly.

What restrictions were imposed?

After the implementation of GRAP-3, many types of restrictions were imposed in Delhi-NCR. The major restrictions are as follows:

Ban on diesel vehicles: Only vehicles running for essential services were exempted. The operation of non-CNG and non-electric vehicles was banned.

Ban on construction work: All types of construction and demolition activities were completely banned. Only essential projects were exempted, such as activities related to hospitals, railways and metro.

Impact on schools: Schools up to class V were instructed to close or conduct online classes. This step was taken keeping in mind the health of children.

Restrictions on industrial activities: Only those industries were allowed to work which use gas or eco-friendly fuel.

Why were the restrictions lifted?

Air pollution has declined in the last two days due to a change in wind direction and speed. Strong winds have removed pollutant particles, improving air quality. On January 5, the average AQI was recorded at 339, which is out of the severe category.

Seeing this improvement in air quality, CAQM decided to remove all restrictions imposed under Grap-3. However, the commission has still appealed to the people to be cautious and said that all necessary measures should be followed to keep the pollution level under control.

What is the plan ahead?

Experts believe that the level of air pollution fluctuates during the winter season. Therefore, CAQM is constantly monitoring the AQI. If the pollution level rises again, GRAP-3 can be implemented again.

Residents of Delhi-NCR also have to be aware and cooperate in reducing pollution at their level. Using vehicle pooling, giving priority to public transport and not using unnecessary vehicles are some of the steps that can prove helpful in controlling air pollution.

Conclusion

Air pollution is a serious problem in Delhi-NCR, which becomes a matter of concern every winter. Schemes like GRAP-3 are aimed at controlling pollution. Due to recent reforms, GRAP-3 restrictions have been removed, but long-term measures are needed to get rid of pollution permanently. Along with government agencies, citizens will also have to fulfill their responsibility in this direction.