The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas, has issued an order revoking the GRAP Stage III. This order was issued on November 28, 2023.
It may be recalled that CAQM, through its order dated October 6, 2023, had announced the immediate implementation of the revised schedule of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) when invoked.
In prior meetings, the Sub-Committee responsible for invoking actions under the GRAP had enforced measures corresponding to different stages on October 6, October 21, November 2, and November 5, 2023, for Stage I, Stage II, Stage III, and Stage IV, respectively.
However, during a review meeting on November 18, 2023, the Sub-Committee decided to revoke the actions under Stage-IV (‘Severe+’ Air Quality) of GRAP due to the observed improvement in Delhi’s air quality.
In its meeting on November 28, 2023, the Sub-Committee further assessed the air quality scenario and meteorological conditions, taking into account forecasts from IMD/IITM. The Air Quality Index (AQI) for Delhi had improved from 395 on 27th November 2023 to 312 on the same day, indicating a positive trend. Preventive, mitigative, and restrictive actions under all Stages up to Stage III were already underway.
Considering the improved air quality and the forecast indicating the likelihood of remaining in the ‘very poor’ category in the next few days, the Sub-Committee decided to revoke the order issued on 2nd November 2023, for actions under Stage-III of GRAP with immediate effect.
While actions under Stages I and II of GRAP will continue to be invoked, the Sub-Committee emphasized the need for strict vigilance and intensified measures to prevent the air quality from slipping into the ‘severe’ category, obviating the need for re-imposition of Stage-III actions in the NCR.
The Sub-Committee also issued a stern directive that projects sites and industrial units, which had been issued closure orders for violations or non-compliances, should not resume operations without specific orders from the Commission.
All responsible agencies and citizens are advised to strictly implement the provisions of GRAP under Stages I and II to prevent the re-imposition of Stage-III actions in the NCR. The Sub-Committee will closely monitor the air quality scenario, making decisions based on recorded air quality and forecasts from IMD/IITM.
