Centre’s Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) panel on Monday withdrew the Stage 2 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as pollution levels dipped in Delhi-NCR. At 4 pm, Delhi’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 186, which is well short of the 300-mark that necessitates Stage 2 restrictions.
India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology have predicted that the AQI is expected to be in moderate to poor levels in the next few days. The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and adjoining regions attributed the improvement in air quality due to reasons like better mixing height, ventilation coefficient, and good conditions for the dispersion of pollutants.
Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revokes Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR with immediate effect.
— ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2025
Measures under Stage I will remain in force to manage pollution levels. pic.twitter.com/Rc6k3iIh48
What is allowed, what is not under GRAP 1
With the revocation of Stage 2 restrictions in GRAP, several activities in Delhi have been relaxed. For example buses from inter-state areas around the NCR states are now allowed to move into Delhi, facilitating easier commute for people. Construction and demolition activities, banned earlier under Stage 2, are also free to resume now, as long as dust management measures are practiced. The use of coal, firewood as well as tandoors at restaurants and hotels, will no longer be prohibited in Delhi-NCR. Diesel generators are also allowed. Furthermore, the functioning of industries that were previously requested to shut down or curtail emissions is now permitted to function normally, as long as they meet current norms of pollution control.
However, some activities are kept prohibited so that air quality is not affected. Diesel generator sets (with the exception of emergencies) are still banned, and heavy vehicles that do not carry necessary commodities are not allowed in Delhi. Also, stubble burning and firecracker burning are still strictly prohibited, as they have a significant impact on the level of pollution in the area.
In GRAP, air quality is classified 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 more than 450). During winter seasons, Delhi-NCR pollution frequently aggravates due to adverse meteorological conditions, vehicle exhaust, paddy straw burning, firecrackers, and other local pollution sources.
With inputs from PTI