Pollution restrictions under GRAP-3 have been lifted in Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) after the air quality improved due to continuous rainfall since Friday morning.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the pollution monitoring authority for the NCR, explained the improvement in a statement:
"Thanks to favorable weather and steady rain since early morning, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has been improving, with levels recorded at 348 at 5:00 pm, 341 at 6:00 pm, and 334 at 7:00 pm."
According to forecasts from the India Meteorological Department and IIT Madras, the AQI is expected to remain in the 'poor' category (200-300) in the coming days.
Delhi sees highest December rainfall in 15 years, temperature dips to 14.6°C
Continuous rain swept across Delhi-NCR on Friday, marking the city's highest December rainfall in 15 years and bringing the temperature down significantly to 14.6°C, according to the weather department.
Restrictions eased under GRAP-3
With the air quality showing signs of improvement, several restrictions under GRAP-3 have been lifted:
- Vehicle Restrictions: The ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi and parts of the NCR, including Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Noida, has been revoked.
- Diesel Generators: Restrictions on the use of diesel generator sets will be eased.
- Construction Activities: Some curbs on construction activities will be relaxed. However, sites previously shut down for violating guidelines will remain closed.
Measures still in place
Despite lifting GRAP-3 restrictions, actions under Stages I and II of the revised GRAP will continue. The CAQM emphasized that all agencies must remain vigilant to prevent AQI levels from worsening.
This decision follows the recent removal of GRAP-4 curbs three days ago.
Also Read: Delhi records highest December rainfall in 15 years
Why air quality deteriorates in winter
Every winter, Delhi experiences a drop in air quality due to factors like stubble burning in nearby states, slow wind speeds, and vehicle emissions.
To address these issues, the Delhi government has implemented a year-round ban on firecrackers, and the Supreme Court has urged Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to enforce similar measures.
The latest improvements in air quality provide temporary relief, but continued efforts will be necessary to manage pollution effectively.
Also Read: IMD predicts rain, snow for northwest region on NYE
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