Delhi’s air quality continued to remain in the “severe" zone for the second consecutive day, prompting the Atishi government to order online classes for students of primary schools.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) also invoked Stage 3 curbs of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the NCR to fight pollution. A ban on non-essential construction, demolition work, and entry of non-BS-VI diesel interstate buses into Delhi are among other restrictions that will come into effect from 8 am on Friday.

The air quality dropped to a “severe" level for the first time this season on Wednesday after a dip in temperatures resulted in a dense smog blanket over the city. The city recorded its coldest morning on Thursday with the temperature dropping to 11.2 degrees.

Meanwhile, Environment Minister Gopal Rai called a meeting on Friday with all departments concerned for the effective implementation of the third stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the national capital, news agency PTI reported.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was at 424 today, deteriorating from Wednesday’s 418.
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for the National Capital Region (NCR) is classified under four different stages of 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).

GRAP Stage 3 Restrictions In Delhi

• All non-essential construction and demolition work along with mining is banned, among other actions in the national capital. However, the ban on construction work does not apply to projects needed for national security, healthcare, and certain public infrastructure work.
• Petrol vehicles from older emission norms BS-III and diesel vehicles of BS-IV category are not allowed on the road in Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region (NCR).
• Given the worsening air quality, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has decided to induct 20 extra trips (in addition to 40 already in place since GRAP-II was implemented) into services on weekdays starting tomorrow. Thus, 60 extra trips will be performed by Delhi Metro on weekdays till GRAP-III remains in place.
• The key measures under GRAP Stage 3 include the frequency of road sprinklers to suppress dust and restrictions on diesel generators for emergency use only.
• Authorities have also issued advice to residents in the capital and have encouraged them to reduce outdoor activity and not contribute to car emissions.