Pollution curbs have been eased in Delhi and its neighbouring areas after the air quality improved in the national capital region. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) – the body responsible for the prevention and control of air pollution in Delhi and its adjoining area – said that it has decided to “revoke Stage-4 and Stage-3 of GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) in the entire NCR with immediate effect”.
The decision comes after the Supreme Court earlier today allowed the pollution control body to relax the stringent GRAP-4 curbs as the air quality index levels have been below 300 in the national capital since November 39. The Supreme Court cautioned that the curbs should not go below stage-2 measures to deal with air pollution effectively.
The stringent curbs have now been replaced with GRAP Stages II and I restrictions, said the CAQM.
An AQI between zero and 50 is considered “good”, Â 51 and 100 is “satisfactory”, 101 and 200 is “moderate”, 201 and 300 is “poor”, 301 and 400 is “very poor” whereas between the range 401 and 500, it is considered “severe”.
Stage 4 includes several stringent measures, such as a ban on the entry of diesel-run medium and heavy vehicles (BS-IV or below) registered in Delhi – except those carrying essential goods. However, under Stage 2, restrictions such as a ban on the use of coal and firewood, including tandoors at hotels, restaurants and open eateries, as well as the use of diesel generator sets – except for emergency and essential services – remain in force in the National Capital Region (NCR).
