Ban on non-essential construction, operation of BS-III petrol, BS-IV diesel cars lifted in Delhi

The Central government on Thursday lifted restrictions on non-essential construction work and operation of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi-NCR amid improvement in air quality in the region.

The Commission on Air Quality Management (CAQM) observed a significant improvement with an AQI of 316 at 2 pm, which is well below the threshold for implementing Stage-III actions under the air pollution control scheme called Graded Response Action Plan.

The statutory body responsible for formulating and implementing air pollution reduction strategies for the region said preventive measures are in place and further improvements in the forecast have been suggested. However, Phase I to Phase II actions remain in effect to prevent a shift to the ‘severe’ category.

Stage III restrictions were activated on Sunday after air quality dropped to ‘severe plus’ level.

The restrictions include a ban on non-essential construction work and operation of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in the region.

Construction work related to national security or defence, projects of national importance, healthcare, railways, metro rail, airports, interstate bus terminals, highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission, pipelines, sanitation and water supply are exempted from the restrictions. Was given. ,

GRAP is the Centre’s air pollution control scheme that is implemented in the area during the winter season. It classifies the works into four stages: Stage I – ‘Poor’ (AQI 201–300); Stage II – ‘Very poor’ (AQI 301–400); Stage III – ‘Severe’ (AQI 401–450); and Stage IV – ‘Severe Plus’ (when AQI is more than 450).

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)