The strict curbs have now been replaced by GRAP Stages II and I restrictions.
New Delhi:
Pollution restrictions have been relaxed in Delhi and adjoining areas after air quality improved in the National Capital Region. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) – the agency responsible for prevention and control of air pollution in Delhi and the adjoining region – said it has decided to “withdraw phase 4 and phase 3 of GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) with immediate effect across the NCR”.
The decision comes after the Supreme Court earlier today allowed the pollution control agency to relax the stringent GRAP-4 restrictions, noting that the air quality index in the national capital has been below 300 since November 30. The Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Abhay S Oka warned that the curbs should not go beyond phase 2 measures to effectively tackle air pollution.
The tough restrictions have now been replaced by GRAP Stages 2 and 1 restrictions, the CAQM said.
The top court also asked CAQM to impose GRAP-3 measures if the air quality index (AQI) crosses 350 and GRAP-4 if it crosses 400 in future.
An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 is 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 is 'moderate', 201 and 300 is 'poor', 301 and 400 is 'very poor', while between 401 and 300 is the value 'bad'. 500, it is considered “severe”.
Phase 3 and 4 entail a ban on entry of medium and heavy diesel vehicles (BS-IV or below) registered in Delhi, except those carrying essential goods.
While under Phase 2, restrictions such as a ban on the use of coal and firewood, including tandoors in hotels, restaurants and open eateries, as well as the use of diesel generator sets – except for emergency and essential services – remain in force in the National Capital Region ( NCR). All construction and demolition activities, including public infrastructure projects such as highways, overpasses and pipelines, are also prohibited.
Earlier on Monday, the Supreme Court declined to tinker with the applicability of GRAP-4 measures. It allowed the relaxation today after Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing the CAQM, said the AQI level was on a downward trend largely due to meteorological and geographical conditions. .
She urged the court to relax the restrictions as they are affecting the livelihoods of many, and suggested that hybrid restrictions, which are a combination of phase 3 and phase 4, should be enforced.
Delhi's air quality started declining on October 30 when it entered the 'very poor' category. The AQI remained consistently in the 'very poor' range for the next 15 days, with values above 300.
Air quality declined further in the second half of November, with AQI levels exceeding 400. In December, air quality improved slightly due to strong winds.