NEW DELHI: The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), a set of anti-air pollution measures implemented in the Delhi-NCR region during the winter season, is set to be activated starting Sunday.
The Commission for Air Quality Management, an autonomous body tasked with improving air quality in Delhi and its neighboring areas, made significant changes to the GRAP last year and again in July this year.
The updated changes include stringent restrictions on the operation of old vehicles and a complete ban on the use of coal and firewood in eateries, restaurants, and hotels when the air quality index (AQI) surpasses the 200 mark.
Furthermore, if the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds 400, BS III petrol and BS IV diesel four-wheelers will be immediately banned in Delhi and nearby areas, including Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), established by an Act in 2021, amended the GRAP in July last year to ensure proactive implementation of anti-air pollution measures based on forecasts up to three days in advance. Previously, authorities would only implement these measures, such as banning construction and demolition activities, entry of high-emission vehicles, and the use of coal and firewood, after the pollution level reached a specific threshold.
The GRAP for the National Capital Region (NCR) is categorized into four stages based on adverse air quality in Delhi: 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 >450).
The revised GRAP recommends strict enforcement of Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal orders related to aging diesel and petrol vehicles under Stage 1. It also calls for a complete ban on the use of coal and firewood in eateries, restaurants, and hotels as soon as the AQI crosses the 200 mark, which was previously implemented under Stage 2 (AQI above 300).
New measures introduced in the revised GRAP include “strict action to curb air pollution at all identified hotspots in the region under Stage 2.”
Under Stage 3, states are required to impose strict restrictions on the operation of BS III petrol and BS IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi and select neighboring areas, with the possibility of discontinuing physical classes in schools for children up to Class V during such conditions, as suggested by the CAQM.
If the AQI exceeds 450, four-wheelers registered outside Delhi, excluding electric vehicles and those using CNG and BS-VI diesel, will not be allowed to enter Delhi, except for those transporting essential commodities or providing essential services.
All other existing measures outlined in different stages of GRAP will continue to be in effect.
(With inputs from PTI)
The Commission for Air Quality Management, an autonomous body tasked with improving air quality in Delhi and its neighboring areas, made significant changes to the GRAP last year and again in July this year.
The updated changes include stringent restrictions on the operation of old vehicles and a complete ban on the use of coal and firewood in eateries, restaurants, and hotels when the air quality index (AQI) surpasses the 200 mark.
Furthermore, if the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds 400, BS III petrol and BS IV diesel four-wheelers will be immediately banned in Delhi and nearby areas, including Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), established by an Act in 2021, amended the GRAP in July last year to ensure proactive implementation of anti-air pollution measures based on forecasts up to three days in advance. Previously, authorities would only implement these measures, such as banning construction and demolition activities, entry of high-emission vehicles, and the use of coal and firewood, after the pollution level reached a specific threshold.
The GRAP for the National Capital Region (NCR) is categorized into four stages based on adverse air quality in Delhi: 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 >450).
The revised GRAP recommends strict enforcement of Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal orders related to aging diesel and petrol vehicles under Stage 1. It also calls for a complete ban on the use of coal and firewood in eateries, restaurants, and hotels as soon as the AQI crosses the 200 mark, which was previously implemented under Stage 2 (AQI above 300).
New measures introduced in the revised GRAP include “strict action to curb air pollution at all identified hotspots in the region under Stage 2.”
Under Stage 3, states are required to impose strict restrictions on the operation of BS III petrol and BS IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi and select neighboring areas, with the possibility of discontinuing physical classes in schools for children up to Class V during such conditions, as suggested by the CAQM.
If the AQI exceeds 450, four-wheelers registered outside Delhi, excluding electric vehicles and those using CNG and BS-VI diesel, will not be allowed to enter Delhi, except for those transporting essential commodities or providing essential services.
All other existing measures outlined in different stages of GRAP will continue to be in effect.
(With inputs from PTI)
