GRAP 3 Restrictions Lifted in Delhi NCR as AQI improves; GRAP 1, GRAP 2 continue to be in force

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) connected Sunday revoked STAGE 3 restrictions nether the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) arsenic the prime of aerial improved. The improvement followed a downward inclination successful the Air Quality Index (AQI) readings successful Delhi. Currently, AQI readings of 350 and supra automatically trigger the STAGE 3 GRAP restrictions successful the nationalist capital. 

At 4 p.m. connected Sunday, the Delhi AQI was recorded astatine 278, 72 points beneath the 350 mark, which triggers the GRAP 3 restrictions. 

The GRAP 3 restrictions, revoked connected Sunday, were enforced connected January 9 arsenic the prime of aerial reached 'severe' levels. 

However, the STAGE 1 and STAGE 2 GRAP restrictions volition stay successful unit for now, according to the CAQM. "All implementing agencies shall support strict vigil and particularly intensify 
measures nether Stage-I & II of the revised GRAP," it noted. 

"While GRAP Stage-III is being revoked, keeping successful presumption the winter season erstwhile upwind conditions whitethorn not beryllium ever favorable and successful bid to ensure that the AQI levels bash not gaffe further, citizens are requested to strictly adhere to the national charter nether GRAP-II," according to an authoritative statement. 

The CAQM said it volition beryllium keeping a adjacent ticker connected the aerial quality scenario and reappraisal the concern from clip to clip for further appropriate decision "depending upon the Air Quality successful Delhi and forecast made by IMD/IITM". 

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted different Western Disturbance successful the portion astir January 14-15.