GRAP-3 relaxed in Delhi as air quality improves 

New Delhi: Pollution control authorities have relaxed Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR due to improvement in air quality. The relaxation is a sigh of relief for the Delhi residents. It means BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars can run on Delhi roads. GRAP-3 was revoked after the AQI of the national capital showed much improvement, recorded as 289. The Supreme Court set the standard of 350 for imposing Stage 3, said the Commission for Air Quality Management.

GRAP-3 and 4 were re-imposed on January 15 amid ‘very poor’ or ‘severe’ air quality of the city. Stage 4 was annulled due to a drop in pollution levels after a spell of light showers in the region, and the air quality further improved today amid moderate winds.

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Several restrictions take place in GRAP-3, like a ban on non-essential construction and demolition work; schools up to standard 5 are being shifted to hybrid mode.

GRAP-3 bans on non-essential construction work, and classes up to grade 5 are required to shift to hybrid mode. Air quality in Delhi sometimes reached hazardous levels during winter amid vehicle emissions, stubble burning in nearby states, firecrackers, and dust because of construction.

High pollution levels have led to several diseases; children and elderly people are on the receiving end. Respiratory diseases and lung infections are on the rise. People are seen in long queues in hospitals for the treatment of pollution-related issues.