Premium

GRAP III anti-pollution curbs return in Delhi as air quality worsens

Delhi's AQI was 365 on Wednesday against Tuesday's AQI of 276.

Calm winds are said to be one of the factors behind the worsening air quality, apart from smoggy condition (Express Photo by Praveen Khanna)

Anti-pollution curbs under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) kicked in on Wednesday evening again as the Capital’s air quality deteriorated to the ‘very poor’ category. The development comes after the AQI (air quality index) in the city remained in the ‘moderate’ or ‘poor’ category for nine straight days.

Delhi’s AQI was 365 on Wednesday against Tuesday’s AQI of 276. Calm winds are said to be one of the factors behind the worsening air quality, apart from smoggy condition.

The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM), the Centre’s panel on Delhi-NCR’s air quality, has invoked the stringent measures which include hybrid mode for classes up to V; a ban on BS III, and a ban on BS III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars; staggered timings for public offices and municipal bodies in Delhi and a few NCR districts, as well as a ban on demolition work and mining activities.

Story continues below this ad

The situation is likely to persist in the coming days, the CAQM said in its order, citing the forecast by the India Meteorological Department and Indian Institute of Technology Madras.

During winters, the Delhi-NCR region enforces restrictions under GRAP, which categorises air quality into four stages – Stage I (Poor, AQI 201-300), Stage II (Very Poor, AQI 301-400), Stage III (Severe, AQI 401-450), and Stage IV (Severe Plus, AQI above 450).

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram