The Commission for Air Quality Management on Wednesday lifted Stage 3 restrictions in the Delhi-National Capital Territory Region under the Graded Response Action Plan, citing improved air quality.
In its statement, the commission noted that Delhi’s Air Quality Index stood at 327, placing it in the “very poor” category. Stage 3 had been imposed on November 11 after the air quality had plummeted to the “severe” level.
The order on Wednesday means that the 50% work-from-home system in offices and hybrid classes in schools have been discontinued, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said.
However, restrictions under the first and second stages of the Graded Response Action Plan remain in force.
The second stage of the plan, which is invoked when the AQI crosses the 300 mark, involves a ban on the use of coal and firewood, including tandoors in hotels, restaurants and open eateries. It includes a ban on the use of diesel generator sets, except for emergency and essential services.
It also comprises measures such as the mechanical sweeping of roads and sprinkling water on them to keep the dust from rising, and intensified inspections for strict dust control measures at construction and demolition sites.
The curbs under Stage 2 also include the restrictions in place under the first stage, which was imposed on October 14.
GRAP is a set of incremental anti-pollution measures that are triggered to prevent further worsening of air quality once it reaches a certain threshold in Delhi and the adjoining areas comprising the National Capital Region.
On Wednesday, air quality readings in NCR on Wednesday remained in the “very poor” category, showed the Sameer application, which provides hourly updates published by the Central Pollution Control Board, at 7.06 pm.
Noida reported an AQI of 348, Greater Noida 324 and Ghaziabad 334.
In Haryana, Gurugram logged an AQI of 272, placing it in the “poor” category, while Faridabad recorded 208.
Air quality deteriorates sharply in the winter months in Delhi, which is often ranked the world’s most polluted capital.
Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana, along with the lighting of firecrackers during Diwali, vehicular pollution, falling temperatures, decreased wind speeds and emissions from industries and coal-fired plants contribute to the problem.
Also read: Why air quality numbers in Delhi vary widely
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