CAQM imposes GRAP-2 measures in Delhi-NCR as air quality declines
The Commission for Air Quality Management invoked stage two pollution controls after the Air Quality Index reached 324 on Saturday.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Monday implemented stage two of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect. According to The Tribune, the move follows a decline in air quality into the 'very poor' category.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was 117 on October 31, rose to 261 on November 1, and reached 324 by 4 pm on November 2. The CAQM stated that unfavourable meteorological conditions caused this increase.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology have predicted that Delhi's air quality will likely stay in the 'very poor' category for the next few days.
Under the GRAP framework, stage two is triggered when the AQI falls between 301 and 400. The first stage is used for AQI levels between 201 and 300, while stage three applies to levels between 401 and 500.
The CAQM previously modified the framework in September. These changes included extending restrictions on certain light motor vehicles, such as BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel models, to Sonepat in Haryana under GRAP-3.