Delhi is FINALLY going to see GRAP-3 restrictions implemented with “immediate effect” after air quality in the nation’s capital plummeted to the “severe” category for the first time this season on Tuesday (Nov 11).
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said Delhi’s AQI hit 425 at 9 am “owing to calm winds, stable atmosphere and unfavourable meteorological conditions”.
Consequently, the Delhi government has invoked all measures under stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan in an effort to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the capital.
What are Delhi’s GRAP-3 restrictions?
Under GRAP-3, there will be a strict ban on construction and demolition activities, including construction of critical infrastructure like roads. Importantly, schools up to Class 5 in Delhi and its neighbouring districts will have to mandatorily shift to “hybrid” lessons.
Additionally, private BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers are banned in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar. Same goes for BS-III or below Delhi-registered diesel-operated Medium Goods Vehicles, as well as diesel-operated LCVs registered outside Delhi.
Inter-state buses from NCR states will not be permitted to enter Delhi, other than EVs/CNG/BS-VI diesel, and buses/tempo travellers operating with an All India Tourist Permit.
Though the CAQM has said the measures must be implemented with immediate effect in all of Delhi-NCR, they will come into effect only after respective State governments pass the relevant orders.
Remember, air pollution of ‘severe’ category “affects healthy people and seriously impacts those with existing diseases”, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
