GRAP-3 restrictions reimposed in NCR amidst rising AQI

Due to increasing air pollution along with fog in Delhi-NCR, restrictions of the third phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-III) have been implemented with immediate effect. Under this, an 8-point plan will be implemented, the most important of which includes the ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles. During this period, there will be a ban on all non-essential construction and demolition works in the city.
The Sub-Committee decides to invoke 8 point action plan as per Stage-III of revised GRAP in the entire NCR with immediate effect.
(2/2)— Commission for Air Quality Management (@CAQM_Official) January 14, 2024
Announcing the restrictions on Sunday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said, ‘In view of the sudden deterioration in the air quality of Delhi-NCR since yesterday evening, the CAQM sub-committee for the operation of GRAP called an emergency meeting on Sunday morning. The sub-committee has decided to implement the 8-point action plan as per Phase-III of the revised GRAP with immediate effect in the entire NCR.
These restrictions were imposed in Delhi-NCR
The CAQM measures, imposed for the third time this winter season, effectively ban the plying of BS III petrol and BS IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar. With these measures, private construction has been immediately banned in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
On the other hand, weather officials said that Delhi-NCR remained in the grip of severe cold on Sunday morning, thick layer of fog was seen in many parts of the city. The minimum temperature here fell to 3.5 degrees Celsius, which is the lowest temperature this winter.
Due to low temperature and slow wind speed in the last 48 hours, Delhi’s air quality reached ‘severe’ level for the first time this year. The average AQI was recorded at 458 (severe) at 9 am on Sunday, which was 399 (very poor) recorded a day earlier on Saturday.