GRAP 3 reimposed across Delhi-NCR as air quality worsens

The AQI crossed the 350-mark in Delhi on Friday morning. (File photo/PTI)

As the air quality worsened in the national capital on Friday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR with immediate effect.

A thick layer of haze shrouded Delhi-NCR earlier today with several flights getting delayed at Delhi airport due to reduced visibility.

"The Sub-Committee observed that the AQI of Delhi is exhibiting an increasing trend, crossed 350 in the morning today and has been recorded 371 at 4 pm owing to dense fog, low mixing height, variable winds and unfavourable meteorological conditions. Further, the forecasts from IMD/IITM also suggest a likelihood of the AQI of Delhi to particularly remain in the adverse range for the coming fays owing to unfavourable meteorological conditions," an official statement by the CAQM read.

It further added, "In an effort to prevent further deterioration of the air quality and in pursuance of the Hon'ble Supreme Court's directives, the Sub Committee on GRAP hereby decides to invoke all actions under Stage III ('Severe' Air Quality of Delhi), with immediate effect in right earnest by all the agencies concerned in Delhi-NCR, in addition to the Stage-I and II actions already in force."

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures implemented in Delhi-NCR to tackle air pollution based on the severity of the Air Quality Index (AQI).

The imposition of GRAP 3 comes in accordance with the Supreme Court's earlier directive which stated that GRAP's Stage III measures must be implemented if the AQI exceeds 350 and Stage IV measures reintroduced if it surpasses 400. Stage III and Stage IV were activated on December 16 after AQI levels hit 401.

Then last week, pollution curbs under GRAP-3 were revoked in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) after air quality improved in the area following continuous rain since Friday morning.

Under the Stage 3 measures, schools and colleges in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar are mandatorily required to shift classes up to Class V to hybrid mode.

Stage 3 also entails a ban on non-essential diesel-operated medium goods vehicles with BS-IV or older standards within Delhi. Non-essential diesel light commercial vehicles of BS-IV or older standards, registered outside Delhi, are also not allowed to enter the city.