Authorities impose GRAP III restrictions in Delhi-NCR as pollution worsens
Air quality in the capital is nearing the severe category ahead of Diwali, with some areas already recording severe readings.
Authorities on Friday implemented Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR as air pollution levels worsened. According to News18, the move comes as the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi approached the severe threshold. The 24-hour average AQI in the capital stood at 382.
The new measures add to existing Stage-II restrictions. Under GRAP Stage-III, there is a strict ban on non-essential construction and demolition, the closure of stone crushers, and the suspension of mining. The plan also restricts older BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles, as well as certain inter-state diesel buses.
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) shows varying pollution levels across the region. While Delhi's AQI was 382, Noida recorded 303, Gurugram 368, and Ghaziabad 257. Outlook reported that locations such as Nauroji Nagar Ring Road and AIIMS had already entered the severe category with readings of 416 and 402 respectively.
Pollution sources include stubble burning and transport emissions. According to the Decision Support System, stubble burning accounted for 20.2 per cent of Delhi's pollution on Wednesday, while transport contributed 15.5 per cent. The Air Quality Early Warning System has forecast that pollution levels could enter the severe category on November 6 and 7.