Delhi's air quality deteriorates to 'Poor' category, GRAP-1 restrictions invoked across NCR

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Wednesday invoked Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR with immediate effect as AAI of Delhi reached 'Poor" category.

This comes after the restrictions were lifted on March 29, following an improvement in the air quality.

What is banned under Stage I of GRAP

The Stage I of GRAP focuses on controlling pollution through dust mitigation at construction sites, proper waste management, and regular road cleaning.

• It mandates strict checks on polluting vehicles, better traffic management, and emission controls in industries, power plants, and brick kilns.
• The first stage also bans open burning of waste, limits the use of diesel generators, and prohibits the use of coal or firewood in eateries.
• Turn off the engine at red lights.
• Prohibition on private construction and demolition projects measuring 500 square metres or more.
• Action against industrial units and thermal power plants spreading pollution within 300 km radius of Delhi
• Ban on production, storage and sale of firecrackers till Jan 1, 2025
• Ban on 10-15 year old diesel/petrol vehicles.
• Ban on burning garbage in the open.
• Deployment of traffic police at crowded places.
• No tolerance for visible emissions -. Stop visibly polluting vehicles by impounding and / or levying maximum penalty.
• Strict enforcement of the prohibition on open burning of biomass and municipal solid waste, and the imposition of maximum penalties for violations.