(MENAFN- KNN India)
New Delhi, Jan 10 (KNN) The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated Stage-III measures of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi-NCR, following a sharp deterioration in air quality.
The decision comes as Delhi's Air Quality index (AQI) rose from 297 on January 8, 2025, to 352 by 4:00 PM on January 9, 2025, amid calm winds and foggy conditions.
The newly activated Stage-III restrictions include a comprehensive ban on private construction and demolition activities, a shift to hybrid learning modes for schools up to Class 5, and significant vehicular restrictions.
These limitations include prohibitions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers, as well as non-essential BS-IV diesel-operated medium goods vehicles.
The implementation aligns with recent Supreme Court directives issued in the M.C. Mehta vs. Union of India case, which mandated immediate Stage-III measures when AQI exceeds 350, and Stage-IV measures when it crosses 400.
These directions were reinforced through court orders dated December 12 and December 19, 2024.
The CAQM had previously implemented a comprehensively revised GRAP schedule on December 13, 2024, with Stage-I and Stage-II measures already in force since October 2024.
The latest decision to invoke Stage-III measures comes as an additional layer of response to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region.
The Sub-Committee on GRAP, which reviewed the air quality scenario and IMD/IITM forecasts, has directed all concerned agencies in the Delhi-NCR region to implement Stage-III actions immediately, while continuing the enforcement of Stage-I and Stage-II measures.
These agencies are required to maintain strict vigilance and intensify their efforts under the revised GRAP schedule.
Citizens have been urged to strictly follow the citizen charter under GRAP Stage-III. Meanwhile, the Sub-Committee will continue to monitor the situation closely and may consider further actions based on Delhi's air quality and IMD/IITM forecasts.
(KNN Bureau)
MENAFN10012025000155011030ID1109077496
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.