Delhi Air Pollution: CAQM Revokes Restrictions Under GRAP 2 As Air Quality Improves

The Commission for Air Quality Management has revoked actions under Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) 2 in Delhi-NCR, taking into account improving air quality index or AQI in the area, as per an official release on Wednesday. 

In the release, CAQM underlined that Delhi's AQI showed improvement owing to fauourable meteorological conditions and was recorded 214 at 4 p.m., therefore it has decided to revoke restrictions under Stage-II ('Very Poor' Air Quality) of the extant schedule of GRAP, with "immediate effect". 

Further, it highlighted that forecast by the Indian Meteorological Department indicates that AQI is likely to remain in the poor to moderate category in coming days.

However, the commission clarified that GRAP 1 will still remain enforced. 

"Actions under stage 1 of the GRAP shall, however, remain invoked and be implemented, monitored and reviewed by all the agencies concerned, as listed in the extant GRAP, in the entire NCR to ensure that the AQI levels do not deteriorate further," the statement

Measures under GRAP 1 will be intensified by all implementing agencies, who have been directed to keep a strict vigil on the air quality. 

Key Restrictions Under Grap 1

Prohibitions under stage 1 of GRAP majorly apply to implementing agencies across the board, such as Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, Heads of Power Distribution Companies, Central Pollution Control Board among others. 

Under GRAP 1 a ban is enforced on the use of coal or firewood as fuel in tandoors at hotels, restaurants, and open eateries, which must switch to electricity or gas-based appliances.

Construction and demolition activities also face significant restrictions for dust monitoring, like a ban on projects equal to or larger than 500 sqm that are not registered on the mandatory web portal.

Besides this, open burning of biomass and municipal solid waste is also prohibited, with a hefty penalty in cases of violation. 

Transportation is also strictly regulated through the diversion of non-destined truck traffic away from the region and the strict impounding of any vehicles showing visible emissions.

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