GRAP-3 restrictions lifted after pollution levels improve in Delhi-NCR, construction work resumes

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): In view of the improvement in air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR, the Central Government's Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has taken a major decision. The Commission has issued an order lifting Stage III restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the entire NCR region with immediate effect. However, Stage I and Stage II regulations will remain in effect as before to control pollution.

According to data, Delhi's air quality has improved significantly over the past 24 hours. While Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) was at a severe level of 380 yesterday, it dropped to 236 at 4 pm today. The air quality has improved from the "very poor" category to the lower level of the "poor" category, prompting this decision.

The biggest impact of the removal of GRAP-3 will be on construction activities. Now, the ban on non-essential construction and demolition in Delhi-NCR has been lifted. Stalled construction projects can resume, bringing significant relief to laborers and builders.

The CAQM clarified that construction sites or projects that were specifically shut down due to violations (such as lack of dust suppression measures) are not permitted to resume work. They will need to obtain separate approval to resume work.

Even though Stage 3 has been lifted, Stage 1 and Stage 2 restrictions will remain in place. This means that measures like dust control, street cleaning, and water sprinkling will remain strictly enforced to prevent pollution levels from reaching dangerous levels again.