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The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated Stage 3 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR due to worsening air quality. The decision was made after Delhi's AQI rose sharply from 297 on January 8 to 357 on January 9, driven by calm winds and dense fog.

 

The CAQM stated that Stage 1 and Stage 2 measures under GRAP will continue to remain in effect alongside the new Stage 3 restrictions. Authorities will keep monitoring the air quality across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) and review the situation as necessary.

 

Citizens are urged to follow the GRAP Stage 3 guidelines strictly.

 

GRAP stage 3 restrictions

The following measures have been imposed under GRAP Stage 3:

 

• Ban on private construction and demolition activities.
• Classes up to Grade 5 to adopt hybrid learning modes.
• Prohibition of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers.
• Restrictions on non-essential BS-IV diesel-operated medium goods vehicles.
• These measures aim to control further deterioration of air quality.

Current weather conditions

Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 5°C on Thursday, with shallow fog and ongoing cold wave conditions making life challenging for residents. The maximum temperature is expected to reach 21°C, according to the India Meteorological Department.

 

Earlier, on January 5, the CAQM had withdrawn Stage 3 restrictions following an improvement in Delhi's AQI. However, as air quality worsened again, the restrictions were reintroduced to combat rising pollution levels.

AQI classification

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI is classified as follows:

 

• 0–50: Good
• 51–100: Satisfactory
• 101–200: Moderate
• 201–300: Poor
• 301–400: Very Poor
• Above 400: Severe

The Supreme Court has directed that Stage 3 measures be implemented if the AQI surpasses 350, and Stage 4 restrictions should come into effect if it exceeds 400.

With the GRAP Stage 3 restrictions now in force, efforts are being intensified to tackle the rising pollution in Delhi-NCR. Citizens are advised to stay updated on further developments in Delhi pollution news.