Following improvement in air quality in Delhi, restrictions in the third phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) have been lifted. Earlier, restrictions under GRAP-4 were imposed on January 15 due to rapid deterioration of air quality, which were lifted on January 16 after some improvement. Now, the restrictions on GRAP-3 have also been lifted.
After the withdrawal of GRAP-3, the following changes have taken place in Delhi:
- Ban on construction works lifted: Now the ban on non-essential construction works has been lifted.
- Conducting classes in schools: It will not be mandatory for students up to class five to conduct classes in ‘hybrid mode’ (both online and offline).
- ban on vehicles lifted: The ban on operation of BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel vehicles has been lifted in the districts of Delhi NCR. Now BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel cars will be allowed to run on the roads of Delhi.
- Ban on medium goods vehicles lifted: There is no longer any ban on diesel-powered non-essential medium goods vehicles of BS-4 or older standards in Delhi.
Restrictions under GRAP are imposed in Delhi-NCR when air pollution levels increase during winter. It classifies air quality into four stages:
- first stage: AQI between 201 and 300 (poor category)
- second phase: AQI between 301 and 400 (very poor category)
- third step: AQI between 401 to 450 (severe category)
- fourth stage: AQI more than 450 (extremely severe category)
With each phase of GRAP, various restrictions are implemented to control pollution.
