Pollution curbs under GRAP 3 revoked as Delhi AQI returns to 'poor' category

With GRAP III no longer in force, all BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars can once again enter Delhi-NCR roads.

Anti-pollution measures under Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) were revoked in Delhi and its neighbouring areas on Friday as the city's air quality further improved to the 'poor' category.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) held a review meeting and lifted the GRAP III in the National Capital Region (NCR) lifting with immediate effect.

The 23-hour average air quality index (AQI) dropped to 289 at 4pm on Friday. This figure falls 61 points below the Supreme Court-mandated threshold for invoking Stage III measures. This was also an improvement from 302 (very poor) at 4pm on Thursday and 400 (severe) at 8pm on Wednesday. Stage 4 GRAP measures, which were imposed on Wednesday, were lifted the next day.

With GRAP III no longer in force, all BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars can once again enter Delhi-NCR roads.

Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) enforces several restrictions to combat pollution. Non-essential construction activities are prohibited, and schools up to grade 5 are required to adopt a hybrid mode of learning, allowing parents and students to opt for online education where available.

This stage also imposes limitations on the use of certain vehicles. BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers are restricted in Delhi and adjoining NCR areas, with exceptions granted to persons with disabilities. Additionally, non-essential diesel-powered medium goods vehicles meeting BS-IV or older standards are banned within Delhi.

Meanwhile, Friday was colder than Thursday. The maximum temperature was 18 degrees Celsius (°C), down from 19.6°C on Thursday and 1.6°C below the normal. The minimum temperature was 8.8°C, a drop from 10.3°C the day before and 1.2°C above the normal. The India Meteorological department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for the weekend, warning people of a moderate to dense fog.