Delhi-NCR moves to GRAP III as air quality deteriorates before Diwali
The Commission for Air Quality Management invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan as pollution levels worsened across the region.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR on Friday, November 6, as a precautionary measure. According to reports from Outlook, Times Now, and Deccan Herald, the decision was taken by the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP as air quality deteriorated ahead of Diwali.
Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) has remained in the 'very poor' category, with readings reported between 382 and 400. In some areas, the AQI exceeded 400 for a second consecutive day. Rohini recorded an AQI of 475, while IIT Delhi recorded 472.
In the wider NCR, Ballabgarh recorded an AQI of 397 at 4 pm, followed by Gurugram at 368, Manesar at 332, Greater Noida at 316, Faridabad at 313, and Noida at 303.
The GRAP III measures include heavy restrictions on all construction and demolition activities and vehicle movements. The plan also allows hybrid classes in schools up to Standard-V and permits NCR states to decide on allowing public, municipal, and private offices to operate at 50 per cent strength, with the remainder working from home.
The Supreme Court expressed concern over the recurring pollution crisis, with a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana noting that vehicular emissions are a major contributor. The court questioned why pollution recurs despite regulatory measures, highlighting heavy traffic on roads connecting Delhi to Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, Gurugram, and Faridabad.