There has been a slight improvement in Delhi’s air quality this week, with authorities rolling back GRAP Stage 3 restrictions across the city. The decision came after pollution levels dipped marginally, moving away from the “severe” category that had earlier triggered the harsher set of measures. However, officials made it clear that the city is not completely out of the danger zone, and pollution levels are high enough to warrant continued caution over the coming days.
Why Stage 3 Was Removed
According to the pollution-monitoring agencies, the Air Quality Index has moved from “severe” to the higher end of the “very poor” category at many stations. This small improvement was consistent enough for the Commission for Air Quality Management to issue an order to withdraw Stage 3 restrictions. These had earlier included banning non-essential construction, heavy earthwork, stone crushing, and certain categories of industrial operations. With GRAP Stage 3 gone, many suspended activities are expected to restart gradually.
Stage 1 and 2 Restrictions to Tighten
Even as Stage 3 measures are lifted, authorities have made it clear that the lower levels of GRAP—Stage 1 and Stage 2—will now be enforced more aggressively. This includes tightening checks on waste burning, stricter surveillance on dust-control violations at construction sites, and more frequent road-watering by municipal agencies. The government has also instructed traffic units to enhance enforcement against polluting vehicles, especially older diesel models which greatly worsen winter pollution. Focus on Vehicular Emission The new action plan also focuses on the control of vehicular pollution, one of the biggest contributors to Delhi’s winter smog. For this, the government may increase deployment of teams checking PUC certificates, smoke emissions, and overloaded trucks entering the city. Goods vehicles not meeting emission norms may have to face immediate penalties or be stopped at borders until compliance is ensured. Public Asked to Follow Health Precautions Officials have counseled continued adherence to health guidelines despite the relaxation in Stage 3. Those with respiratory problems, children, and older citizens have been asked to limit outdoor exposure and morning walks and wear masks when necessary. With changes in the weather over the next few days expected to again trap pollutants closer to the ground, agencies have warned that air quality may fluctuate and could even deteriorate if emissions aren’t controlled.
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