New Delhi, 06 November (H.S.): The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has imposed restrictions under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR in view of the deterioration in air quality. The measures include additional curbs on construction activities, vehicular movement and other pollution-generating operations to contain rising pollution levels.

The decision was taken amid concerns over the worsening air quality in the National Capital Region. With GRAP Stage III coming into force, the concerned agencies have been directed to strictly enforce pollution-control measures.

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in several parts of the national capital reached 382, while readings in multiple areas crossed the 400 mark. In view of the rising pollution levels, a sub-committee of the CAQM convened an emergency meeting on Friday evening to review the situation and decided to implement Stage III restrictions with immediate effect.

The restrictions under GRAP Stage III include a ban on construction and demolition (C&D) activities, a halt to non-essential construction work, and curbs on the movement of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles in designated areas. Schools have also been given the option of conducting classes for students up to Class V in hybrid mode, combining physical and online learning. The measures further include strict monitoring of polluting industrial and other activities.

The concerned agencies have also been instructed to ensure rigorous implementation of dust-control measures and other pollution-mitigation steps. Restrictions imposed under Stages I and II of GRAP will continue to remain in force alongside the new measures.

It may be noted that, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI is classified into six categories: 0-50 is considered ‘Good’, 51-100 ‘Satisfactory’, 101-200 ‘Moderate’, 201-300 ‘Poor’, 301-400 ‘Very Poor’ and 401-500 ‘Severe’.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar