Delhi-NCR’s air quality on Tuesday slipped into the ‘severe’ category, prompting the Centre to invoke stricter anti-pollution measures under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The decision
was taken after Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) rose sharply from 362 on Monday to 425 on Tuesday morning due to calm winds, a stable atmosphere and unfavourable weather conditions that allowed pollutants to accumulate close to the surface, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said.
The implementation of Stage III curbs, which include a ban on non-essential construction work and closure of stone crushers and mining activities, is in addition to the actions already enforced under Stages I and II of GRAP.
During winters, the Delhi-NCR region enforces restrictions under GRAP, which categorises air quality into four stages—Stage I (Poor, AQI 201-300), Stage II (Very Poor, AQI 301-400), Stage III (Severe, AQI 401-450), and Stage IV (Severe Plus, AQI above 450).
Unfavourable meteorological conditions, combined with vehicle emissions, paddy-straw burning, firecrackers and other local pollution sources, lead to hazardous air quality levels in Delhi-NCR during winters.
Here’s what the restrictions mean for you:
• Classes up to Class 5 are required to shift to hybrid mode under Stage 3. Parents and students have the option to choose online education wherever available.
• Under Stage 3, the use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars (4-wheelers) is restricted in Delhi and nearby NCR districts. Persons with disabilities are exempt.
• Non-essential construction and demolition activities are to be completely banned. This includes work such as earth excavation, piling, laying of sewer lines and electric cables through open trench systems, and the operation of Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) batching plants.
• Private companies are advised to adopt work-from-home or hybrid arrangements to help reduce vehicle emissions.
• Restriction on inter-state diesel buses entering or operating in Delhi.
• Ban on diesel generator sets, except for emergency and essential services.
