Delhi Air Quality: Pollution level improvement, GRAP-3 ban lifted, relief in Delhi

Winters are getting reduced in Delhi and now the heat of sunlight is beginning to feel hot. Along with this, improvement in air quality has also been seen in the capital and surrounding areas.

The Central Government’s Air Quality Panel (CAQM) has decided to lift the GRAP-3 restriction due to the decrease in pollution levels in Delhi-NCR. This means that now the restrictions on BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel vehicles have been lifted and these vehicles can run on the roads without any restrictions. However, some restrictions applied under Grap-1 and Grap-2 will still continue.

Grap-3 restrictions lost, Delhi gets relief

In view of the improvement in Delhi’s air quality, the Air Quality Management Commission (CAQM) on Monday announced the cancellation of the third phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

What will change by removing Grap-3?

Now BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel vehicles have been allowed to run in Delhi-NCR.
Many other stringent sanctions will also be lifted.
However, the rules under Grap-1 and Grap-2 will still be applicable.
Construction works will remain banned, until the approval is received from the Commission.

CAQM took this decision because Delhi’s air quality has improved and the weather also remains favorable.

Delhi’s weather expected to improve further

Relief from decline in AQI

The Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 286 on 3 February in Delhi, which is much lower than the level of 350 compulsory 350 to apply Grap-III. This means that pollution levels are decreasing and air quality is improving.

Light rain and cold winds will help

The Meteorological Department has predicted light rain and cold winds in the coming days. This is expected to reduce pollution levels further.

BS-3 petrol and BS-4 big decision on diesel vehicles

Ban on vehicles ends after Grap-III removed

CAQM has removed Grap-III with immediate effect as per orders issued by CAQM. This directly means that now BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel vehicles have been allowed to run on the roads in Delhi-NCR.

However, the ban on construction sites will continue until the approval is received from the Commission.

Strict monitoring will continue

The CAQM has given strict monitoring to local agencies, so that air quality does not fall further.
Grap-I and Grap-II will still be applicable, ensuring that pollution does not increase again.