In a significant relief for the national capital, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revoked the stringent Stage-IV restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This decision comes as a direct response to a marked improvement in Delhi's air quality over recent days.
What Led to the Decision?
The CAQM, the central government's pollution watchdog, announced the rollback on Tuesday, December 24, 2024. The move was based on a comprehensive review of the prevailing air quality scenario and meteorological forecasts provided by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).
The commission noted that Delhi's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) had shown a consistent improving trend, moving away from the 'Severe' category. This positive shift in atmospheric conditions and air quality metrics prompted the authority to lift the most severe set of anti-pollution curbs under GRAP.
Which Restrictions Are Now Lifted?
The revocation of GRAP Stage-IV means several bans and prohibitions have been immediately withdrawn. Key activities that can now resume include:
- Entry of trucks into Delhi: The ban on the entry of all diesel-operated Medium and Heavy Goods Vehicles (MG&HGVs) into the city, with exemptions for those carrying essential commodities, has been lifted.
- Construction and demolition: The blanket ban on all construction and demolition activities across the entire National Capital Region (NCR) is no longer in force.
- Use of certain vehicles: Restrictions on the plying of Delhi-registered diesel-run MG&HGVs, except for those involved in essential services, have been removed.
However, it is crucial to note that other preventive and restrictive actions under Stages I, II, and III of GRAP remain active. These ongoing measures are designed to prevent a slide back into worse air quality and will continue to be implemented and monitored by the relevant agencies in the NCR.
The Road Ahead and Continued Vigilance
While the immediate crisis has abated, the CAQM has emphasized a need for continued vigilance. The commission has directed all implementing agencies to stay on high alert and rigorously enforce measures under the active stages of GRAP.
The forecast suggests that Delhi's AQI is likely to remain in the 'Very Poor' to 'Poor' category in the coming days, but a return to the 'Severe' zone is not immediately predicted. The situation will be closely watched, and the CAQM has stated it will not hesitate to reimpose stricter measures if the air quality deteriorates significantly again.
This cycle of imposing and lifting restrictions based on real-time AQI data underscores the dynamic nature of Delhi's annual winter pollution battle. The lifting of Stage-IV offers respite to industries, transporters, and daily life, but it also highlights the persistent vulnerability of the region's air quality during the colder months.
