In a significant relief for residents, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revoked the stringent Stage-IV measures of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). This decision, announced on Monday, comes as a direct response to a marked improvement in the city's air quality over the past few days.
Why Were the Restrictions Lifted?
The CAQM, the statutory body responsible for air quality management in the region, stated that the move was based on forecasts from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). These agencies predicted that the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi is likely to remain in the 'Very Poor' category in the coming days. The sub-committee of the CAQM reviewed the situation and concluded that the extreme measures under Stage-IV were no longer necessary.
It is important to note that while Stage-IV has been withdrawn, the curbs under Stages I, II, and III of GRAP remain in force. This means several anti-pollution measures continue to be implemented across the capital to prevent a slide back into the 'Severe' or 'Severe+' categories.
What Changes for Delhi-NCR Residents?
The lifting of GRAP-IV brings immediate changes to several day-to-day activities that were previously banned or restricted. The most notable relaxations include:
Construction and Demolition Activities: All public and private construction and demolition projects, which were entirely halted under Stage-IV, can now resume. However, they must strictly adhere to the dust control norms specified under the earlier stages of GRAP.
Entry of Trucks: The blanket ban on the entry of diesel-operated medium and heavy goods vehicles into Delhi has been lifted. The entry of such trucks will now be governed by the rules under Stage-III, which typically involve restrictions based on fuel type and compliance with pollution norms.
Other Vehicle Restrictions: The ban on the plying of Delhi-registered diesel-operated Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs) and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), except those involved in essential services, has also been removed with the revocation of Stage-IV.
What Restrictions Still Remain in Place?
Despite the rollback of the most severe curbs, Delhi is not yet in the clear. The CAQM has emphasized that measures under Stages I, II, and III continue to be actively implemented. This includes ongoing bans such as:
- The prohibition on the operation of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi and the districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar.
- Continued restrictions on certain construction activities involving excavation, demolition, and structural work, barring essential projects.
- Enforcement of other measures like increased parking fees, enhanced public transport services, and a halt on coal/firewood use in eateries.
The commission has also directed the concerned state governments and agencies to intensify inspections and enforcement to ensure compliance with the ongoing rules. The focus remains on preventing waste burning, controlling dust from roads and construction sites, and managing industrial emissions.
The improvement in air quality is a welcome change for Delhi, which has been grappling with hazardous pollution levels for weeks. The decision to lift GRAP-IV offers a respite but serves as a reminder that the fight against pollution is a continuous one, requiring sustained efforts from authorities and citizens alike.
