Delhi Pollution Crisis: GRAP-III Measures Enforced in NCR

Amid rising pollution levels in the national capital, the central pollution control authority has implemented stringent measures, including a halt to non-essential construction activities in Delhi-NCR. According to an official order cited by news agency ANI, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has also banned the entry of diesel-powered trucks into the national capital. These actions are part of the Stage III response under the GRAP, which is the central government’s comprehensive strategy to manage air pollution during the winter season.

“In view of the increasing pollution level in Delhi, Environment Minister Gopal Rai has called a meeting of all concerned departments tomorrow. Strict implementation of GRAP-3 will be discussed in the meeting,” said Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai. 

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), a statutory body responsible for devising pollution control measures, noted during a meeting to assess the air quality situation in Delhi-NCR that pollution levels are anticipated to worsen further due to unfavorable meteorological and climatic conditions.

The GRAP framework classifies actions into four stages based on the Air Quality Index (AQI): ‘Poor’ (AQI 201-300), ‘Very Poor’ (AQI 301-400), ‘Severe’ (AQI 401-450), and ‘Severe Plus’ (AQI >450).

Under GRAP Stage III, all construction and demolition activities are brought to a complete halt, with the exception of essential government projects, mining, and stone-crushing operations. Furthermore, it restricts the entry of light commercial vehicles registered outside of Delhi, along with diesel-powered trucks and medium to heavy freight vehicles (except those involved in essential activities).