New Delhi: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CQUM) in Delhi on Thursday canceled the restrictions imposed under Phase-3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in view of the improvement in air quality. The Commission’s order said that Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 332 on Thursday, which has improved slightly from the earlier very poor level. However, according to the weather forecast, AQI may remain in the ‘moderate’ to ‘poor’ category in the coming days, hence people have been requested to remain alert.
Earlier on Tuesday, all the restrictions imposed under Phase-4 of GRAP were removed in Delhi-NCR. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) said that this step was taken due to improvement in air quality in the capital. However, the actions already implemented under Phase-1, 2 and 3 of GRAP will still continue. The Commission has requested citizens to continue following the rules laid down under these steps so that the air quality does not deteriorate further.
Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav on Tuesday reviewed action plans to tackle air pollution in Rohtak, Manesar, Panipat and Karnal located in the NCR region of Haryana. The minister expressed concern over high levels of PM10 and problems to solid waste management, including construction and demolition (C&D) waste. Yadav called a meeting with the Haryana Chief Minister so that these issues could be resolved on priority basis. He also stressed on bringing all the cities of NCR under the National Clean Air Program (NCAP).
The GRAP system implemented in Delhi-NCR divides air quality into four stages:
According to the Meteorological Department, the minimum temperature on Thursday was recorded at 6.3 degrees Celsius and the maximum temperature was around 25 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature was recorded at 8 degrees Celsius in Palam, 6.7 degrees Celsius in Lodhi Road, 9.2 degrees Celsius in Ridge Station and 7.3 degrees Celsius in Ayanagar, all of which are slightly below normal temperatures.
Despite the improvement in air quality, given the uncertain weather conditions and winter conditions, officials have appealed to the public to remain vigilant and follow the rules of Phase-1, 2 and 3 of GRAP.
