The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage III has come into effect in Delhi National Capital Region (NCR), form November 15, 2024, (Friday) today, after Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) reviewed the ‘very poor’ Air Quality Index (AQI) that has transformed the city into a gas chamber. The restrictions have come into effect from 8 am.
The air quality index (AQI) in Delhi remains ‘very poor’ for the last one week. Since, October 30, 2024, Delhi NCR recorded the first severe air quality of this season on Wednesday. Entire city has transformed into a gas chamber. The AQI across several parts of Delhi remained in the “severe” category on Friday, November 15. National Capital Region, including Noida, Ghaziabad and Gurugram is experiencing thick layer of smog creating a thick blanket of haze and smog.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the AQI in Delhi’s Anand Vihar was 460 (‘severe plus’) at 3pm on Thursday.
The physical classes for primary schools will not be held due to poor air quality in Delhi NCR. The Delhi government said online classes can continue.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology informed that the AQI of Delhi to remain in the higher end of the ‘Very Poor’ category in the coming days. Dense fog will continue to prevail late night and early morning over northwest India for the next few days.
The salient features of GRAP:
The GRAP for Delhi-NCR is divided into four stages of air quality – Stage 1 for “poor” Air Quality Index (AQI) ranging between 201 and 300, Stage 2 for “very poor” AQI of 301-400, Stage 3 for “severe” AQI of 401-450 and Stage 4 for “severe plus” AQI (more than 450).
