GRAP Phase III canceled in Delhi-NCR, ban on BS-IV diesel and BS-III petrol vehicles lifted

The Centre’s panel on air quality has revoked Phase III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), citing improved air quality and favorable weather conditions in the National Capital Region. According to an official order issued on Wednesday, November 26, “Delhi’s AQI has been improving for the last 3 days and has been recorded at 327 today. Moreover, as per the forecast by IMD/IITM, the AQI will remain in the very poor category in the coming days.”

The amended order implies that the ban on non-essential construction, stone crushers, mining and use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles is no longer in effect. The restrictions had already been lifted when the air quality index (AQI) deteriorated.

What are the different air quality categories under GRAP?

GRAP classifies air quality into four stages based on AQI levels:

• Stage I (poor): AQI 201-300
• Stage II (very poor): AQI 301-400
• Stage III (Severe): AQI 401-450
• Stage IV (Severe Plus): AQI above 450

Why does air pollution level increase in Delhi-NCR at this time of the year?

During the winter months, pollution worsens in Delhi-NCR due to a combination of factors such as vehicle emissions, stubble burning in neighboring states, firecrackers and other local sources of pollution, leading to hazardous air quality levels.

What are the major health risks from Delhi’s air pollution?

Doctors have warned that breathing Delhi’s polluted air is equivalent to smoking about 10 cigarettes a day. Long-term exposure to such high levels of pollution can cause serious health problems including asthma, bronchitis, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and increased risk of heart diseases.