New Delhi : The Centre on Monday revoked the restrictions under Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR with immediate effect.
The Union Environment Ministry, however, said that restrictive actions under Stage-I to Stage-II of the GRAP will remain invoked and be implemented, monitored and reviewed by all agencies concerned in the entire NCR.
On Monday, Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) clocked 346 as per the daily bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
In view of significant improvement in the average air quality of Delhi, the Sub-Committee of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reviewed the current scenario and took an appropriate call on the preventive and restrictive actions under Stage-III of the GRAP already in place in the entire NCR since December 22, an official said.
According to the India Meteorological Department, Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) has been steadily improving. As of 4 p.m., it was recorded at 346, approximately 55 AQI points below the threshold that would have triggered GRAP Stage-III actions (Delhi AQI 401-450).
There is a likelihood of sustaining the improvement in AQI. The forecast by IMD and IITM also do not indicate any deterioration further and there is a likelihood of the AQI improving while remaining in ‘Very Poor’, ‘Poor’ category in next few days. Therefore, the ministry said, keeping in view the disruptive nature of restrictions under Stage-III of the GRAP impacting a large number of stakeholders and public as well as considering the significant improvement in the average AQI of Delhi, the sub-committee decided to revoke Stage-III of GRAP in the entire NCR with immediate effect.
The agencies will keep strict vigil and especially intensify measures under Stage-I and II of the GRAP in order to obviate the implementation of Stage-III of GRAP actions owing to AQI level further slipping into ‘Severe’ category, the official added.
According to the official, project sites and industrial units falling under the C and D categories that have been given specific closure orders due to violations or non-compliance with various statutory directions, rules, guidelines, etc., are not permitted to reopen for business without a specific order from the Commission.
The GRAP’s requirements should be strictly followed, according to the CAQM, which is urging residents and all agencies in charge of carrying out the various actions listed under Stages I and II of the GRAP.
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