New Delhi: With Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching a “severe” level of 424, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Sub-Committee on Thursday decided to implement Stage-III measures across the National Capital Region (NCR), effective from 8 a.m. on November 15.
The decision follows a comprehensive review of air quality and weather forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and IITM, which indicate a likelihood of the AQI remaining in the “very poor” range in the coming days.
Under Stage-III, several restrictions will be enforced to curb pollution. The measures include intensifying road sweeping and water sprinkling operations, increasing public transport availability, and imposing a ban on certain dust-generating construction and demolition activities. Operations of stone crushers and mining activities across NCR will be halted, and restrictions will apply to BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles in select districts, along with limiting diesel-operated Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) entering Delhi.
The Sub-Committee has also advised NCR state governments to consider suspending physical classes for children up to Class V and switching to online modes, depending on the air quality trend.
Citizens are urged to follow guidelines under the Citizen Charter of GRAP Stage-III, including opting for cleaner commute options, avoiding coal and wood for heating, and reducing trips by combining errands. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has called for public cooperation to help tackle the rising pollution levels.>
