Delhi’s air quality dropped to “severe” levels this week, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recording the country’s highest reading on Wednesday. Anticipating further deterioration, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) announced that Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) would take effect on Friday, implementing stricter pollution controls.

What is GRAP Stage 3?
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of measures aimed at addressing escalating pollution levels in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). When AQI reaches “severe” levels, Stage 3 of GRAP is activated, triggering restrictions on construction, demolition, and certain public activities to curb pollution.

Delhi’s Air Pollution
Delhi’s air quality breached the “severe” threshold on Wednesday due to calm winds and cooler temperatures, according to Environment Minister Gopal Rai. While forecasts suggest a brief improvement, the CAQM has decided to proceed with Stage 3 to manage pollution more effectively.

Key GRAP Stage 3 Restrictions:

1. Construction and demolition activities are suspended, and all non-essential mining operations halted.
2. Restrictions will apply to interstate buses that are non-electric, non-CNG, and non-BS-VI diesel.
3. Primary schools may shift to online classes if pollution persists.
4. Water sprinkling efforts on major roads will increase to control dust.

Air Pollution in the NCR
An estimated 34% of Delhi’s pollution comes from surrounding areas, highlighting the importance of regional collaboration to tackle pollution sources effectively.

Delhi’s AQI Levels
Delhi’s AQI reached 428 on Thursday morning, marking the season’s first severe-level entry. To prevent further decline, authorities will enforce GRAP Stage 2 and now Stage 3 restrictions, focusing on managing local pollution sources.